Episcopal eNews from Northern Indiana | |
Administrative and Vestry Items | |
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The new year always brings a few business related items worth noting. Here are a few on Missioner Michelle's mind. Don't miss the 3rd main bullet, it's a chance to win $2,500 for your faith community
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IRS mileage reimbursements for business travel are now $0.655/mile. The Expense Reimbursement Form (pdf or Excel) on the website has been updated.
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New this year the EDNIN Diocesan Report has been broken into two sections. The first section (due February 1) asks only for leadership information, focusing specifically on wardens and vestry. The second section (due March 1) asks for other employees/volunteers within the parish, along with financial audit and property information. The template form for information gathering has been modified to reflect this change.
- Note: Earlier this week an email was sent to all Sr. Wardens from 2022 asking them to complete the report due February 1st. Given the late reminder, we will consider all reports submitted by midnight February 7th as also on time for the lottery drawing. Good news, 18 congregations have already done it.
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The Annual Reports tab (under Resources on the website) lists all of the 4 reports due annually, with their respective due dates. Additionally, in 2023 Diocesan Council set aside $2,500 to award to ONE congregation who has completed all of the reports linked on this page by their due dates. Shortly after March 2nd, those congregations will be entered into a drawing. Whichever congregation is selected will be awarded $2,500. Please be sure to get your reports in on time. Anyone can be a winner!
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The DFMS parochial report has a few additional fields this year. Be sure to check out the instructional documents on the General Convention website for further information. Difficulties with logging into the system can be directed to Missioner Michelle Walker.
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Safe Church Training
Date: February 11 and February 19
Time: 2-5 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Are you newly elected to a vestry? Sign up for one of our two safe church trainings in February. (It is important that you register prior to the day of the training.) Participation in a training is required for everyone in leadership in each of our faith communities.
About Safe Church: The obligation to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being is binding for all the baptized. The authority with which leaders — ordained persons, adults who minister with minors (children and youth), youth in leadership roles, and adults who minister with vulnerable humans — are entrusted, creates an inherent power imbalance in the pastoral relationship. This power imbalance derives from the leadership role and, in the case of clergy, the symbolic authority of an ordained person. Christian leadership is intended to provide occasions for guidance and grace, and its abuse is always and unequivocally wrong.
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Webinar Series: How to Lead When You Don't Know Where You're Going
Date: January-February
Where: Zoom
Session Three: Moving From Decision Making to Discernment
- Tuesday, February 7, 1/12 p.m. (EST/CST)
- Thursday, February 9, 7/6 p.m. (EST/CST)
Session Four: Coaxing Order out of Chaos
- Tuesday, February14, 1/12 p.m. (EST/CST)
- Thursday, February16, 7/6 p.m. (EST/CST)
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Radical Welcome: Embracing God, The Other, and the Spirit of Transformation
Date: February 15
Time: 7 p.m. (EDT)
Where: Zoom
“Radical welcome is the spiritual practice of embracing and being changed by the gifts,
presence, voices, and power of the Other...” (Stephanie Spellers, Radical Welcome)
Join us to hear from our speaker, the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, as she addresses the
question: how do we face our fears and welcome transformation in order to become
God’s radically welcoming people?
There is no fee for participating in this event, but registration is required before February
15 in order to send out the Zoom link to all participants.
Contact Email: gracefortwayne@gmail.com
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Lenten Series - Introduction to Contemplative Prayer
Date: February 25, March 11, and March 25
Time: 10-11:30 a.m. (EDT)
Where: St. Thomas Episcopal Church (Plymouth) parish house
Session 1 - February 25: Preliminary Considerations
In this session we introduce the need for and the basic practice of
meditation as the route to contemplation. We look at the conditions for which
contemplative prayer is the answer. We talk about being absent from ourselves
and so practicing mindfulness as a way back—to ourselves and to God.
Session 2 - March 11: Issues to be Confronted in Meditation
In this session we talk about the cultivation of essential qualities of
character and the need for a vision of the heart. We talk about how to “let go”
and what that means. We talk about confronting our shadows.
Session 3 - March 25: Anticipated Results of Contemplative Prayer
What might we expect to get from a meditation practice? How long does it
take? We talk about Contemplation as deep access to reality.
Each of these three sessions will take from 60 to 90 minutes and will include an
actual meditation practice. At the conclusion of the series there will be made
available a short bibliography for those who want to continue to read about
meditative practice.
Please RSVP to john@clerke.info. You can also post questions to this address.
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The Episcopal Youth Event (EYE)
Date: July 4-8, 2023
Where: The University of Maryland
Cost: $400 per person ($425 is paying via PayPal)
RSVP: Register by February 15, 2023.
The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana is excited to attend the 2023 Episcopal Youth Event - A New Age of Faith! The Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) is a triennial event for the entire Episcopal Church. About 1,500 people (high school students, their adult mentors, and bishops from around the church) come together and live on a college campus for a little under a week. Time is spent in worship, large group presentations, small group discussions on a variety of topics, and a lot of time hanging out and meeting people from around the world.
EYE23 is open to youth who have completed 9th-12th grades by June 2023. You must be between the ages of 15-19 by the start of the event.
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Your registration to attend EYE form (Word or PDF) must be filled out and sent to the diocese at the address below along with a check for your $400 registration fee. If you wish to pay online using PayPal, scan the QR code (registration fee is $425 to cover Paypal fees) and send your completed registration form to the address below. You are not registered until the registration form and registration fee is received by Carol Bianchini, Director for Sr. High Youth Ministries. The deadline to register is February 15, 2023. If you have any questions, please text Carol at 574-551-3084. | |
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Save the Dates: 2023 Youth Camps
Episcopal Youth Camp
Date: June 11-17, 2023
Where: Camp Alexander Mack
Sr. High Mission Week
Date: There is no Sr. High Mission Week in 2023 due to EYE23.
Camp New Happenings
Date: July 23-29, 2023
Where: Camp Alexander Mack
Jr./Sr. High Summer Retreat
Date: August 2023
Where: Episcopal Wawasee Retreat Center
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Becoming Beloved Community Commission | |
Presiding bishop delivers keynote address during Notre Dame's 'Walk the Walk Week' | Presiding bishop delivers keynote address during Notre Dame's 'Walk the Walk Week' [Episcopal News Service] Presiding Bishop Michael Curry delivered the keynote address on Jan. 22 during the University of Notre Dame 's eighth annual "Walk the Walk Week" prayer service held in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The Jan. | | | |
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We Must Stop Forgetting
By The Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers
I have not watched the film of five Black Memphis police officers beating 29-year-old Tyre Nichols to a pulp. I have not seen the EMTs who did so little while a beloved child made in God’s image lay dying at their feet.
I have not looked, yet it is all I can see. Just reading the account is enough to conjure the most horrific, tortured images—worse than anything Hollywood could script. I have not seen the video, but I cannot unsee it, and I honestly don’t want to unsee it. We have become too good at forgetting.
Read more of Speller's essay.
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Responding to Racism, Police Brutality, and Community Trauma
As we grieve with the family, friends, and loved ones of Tyre Nichols, we stand and cry for justice alongside all those targeted by police violence. The Racial Justice and Reconciliation Team has culled this short set of resources for anyone seeking to make prayerful, meaningful change within us and our society.
General Resources
Police Reform
Racial Justice
Scriptures related to justice, lament, and solidarity, to assist with preparing a liturgy, finding direction and encouragement, or calling communities to work for justice:
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God Outside: Northern Indiana
Date: Saturday, February 11
Time: 10/9 a.m. (EST/CST)
Where: Chain O' Lakes State Park
RSVP Here
Meet at the Nature Center/Concession parking lot for a 3.5 mile loop around trails seven and two. Please RVSP so that we know you are coming.
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Rooted in Soil and Grounded in Faith: Resources for Sustained Creation Care (co-sponsored by Province IV and V)
Date: May 5, 4 p.m. - May 7, 12 p.m.
Where: Nazareth Retreat Center (Nazareth, KY)
Cost: $50
Registration: Register by April 14
This weekend retreat will engage those involved in ministries of creation care in deeper theological study, sharing of resources and ideas, opportunity for fellowship, nature contemplation, and spiritual renewal. The weekend event will include presentations, conversations, nature walks, and prayer on the beautiful grounds of the Sisters of Nazareth convent in Nazareth, Kentucky.
All those interested in creation care (from any province) are invited to participate. Cost: $50 (includes meals; scholarships available) Learn more.
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The Episcopal Church Lent Resources
Click here for new and updated resources for individuals, small groups, and congregations, including the following:
- Lent curriculum, sermons, lesson plans, devotionals, and meditations
- Lent Madness
- “Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent” – adult forum sessions with videos
- “Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community” podcast series
- Sermons That Work
- 40-day gratitude challenge
- Publicity material, bulletin inserts, and more
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Save the Dates: 2023 Clergy Retreats
Spring Clergy Retreat
Date: May 8-10, 2023
Where: Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center
Fall Clergy Retreat
Date: October 9-11, 2023
Where: Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center
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Staff Schedules
- Canon Terri Bays is on sabbatical through April 13.
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Office of Government Relations | |
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Action Alerts
The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations (OGR) identifies opportunities for Episcopalians to participate in our democracy. Click this link to find an action alert that you are passionate about and send a message to your members of Congress.
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Read the Province V newsletter for February here. | |
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Young Adult Mid-Winter Retreat
Date: February 10-11
Where: Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park (Freemont)
Calling all young adults! The campus ministries of Province V invite you to a 24 hour retreat at the Potawatomi Inn located in the beautiful Pokagon State Park of Indiana. This retreat will explore the theology of play through worship, discussion, games, and even a toboggan run! If you'd like to participate in the outdoor activities, bring some winter clothes as there are trails as well to explore in the park! Come, get away from the hustle and bustle of school life for 24 hours in a winter wonderland! If cost is a barrier, please email Rev. Ben Adams at ben@togethercommunity.org for financial aid. We don't want money to prevent you from attending!
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Escaping the Whale, Queen, and Valley: Healing and Understanding the Suicidal Crisis
Date: February 27, March 6, March 23, March 20, March 27, April 3
Time: 7:30-9 p.m. (EDT)
Where: Zoom
What if we told you that the usual thinking about suicide in the Bible is wrong? This six-part Bible study will dive deep into several classic Hebrew Scripture events to uncover an innovative approach to suicide ideation and crisis. Using the stories from Jonah, Elijah, Ezekiel, and the Psalms, we will see the lives of these crucial individuals anew when they were in despair and darkness. We will also discover how God returned them to a place of light, love, and hope.
With the support of a dedicated website, you will engage the text in compelling ways. Each session will explore a biblical text. Afterward, we will engage in a lively discussion, allowing you to ask relevant questions and consider new ways to help people amid mental health crises. By the end of our study, you will be armed with biblical texts and tools to reframe your thoughts about suicide and the Bible.
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News From Around The Episcopal Church | |
How Education for Ministry changed Termaine Hicks' life | Sewanee School of Theology] It is well known in The Episcopal Church and beyond: Education for Ministry (EfM) changes lives. Most of the more than 120,000 people who have participated in the four-year theological education program will agree. Many will have a tale of transformation to share. | | | |
Episcopal Migration Ministries launches initiative to help LGBTQ+ migrants, seeks input through survey | Episcopal Migration Ministries, the churchwide program that resettles refugees in the United States, is launching a new initiative to help Episcopalians welcome migrants fleeing anti-LGBTQ+ persecution. The Rainbow Initiative, created in response to a General Convention resolution, will help Episcopal congregations understand the circumstances of LGBTQ+ migrants who are forcibly displaced, create new partnerships with other groups and organize events for Pride Month in June 2023. | | | |
Presiding bishop sends pastoral word on the death of Tyre Nichols | Presiding Bishop Michael Curry issued a pastoral word on Jan. 28, the morning after the Memphis Police Department issued body-camera footage of the beating of Tyre Nichols. The 29-year-old motorist was beaten by Memphis police officers after a Jan. 7 traffic stop and died as a result of the injuries three days later. | | | |
Lutherpalians: Combined Lutheran-Episcopal worship communities are on the rise | More than two decades after the ELCA and The Episcopal Church became full communion partners, congregations from both denominations are joining forces in arrangements that many see as the way of the future. | | | |
Arizona church's exhibit spotlights solutions to housing crisis | The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Flagstaff, Arizona, is not only a spiritual home for its congregation - it's also a place where the wider community can come to learn about some of the most pressing issues of the day through its exhibition series. | | | |
Indigenous Episcopalians share stories of pain, healing, faith with presiding officers at Winter Talk | The Oneida have called the Green Bay area home for 200 years since the tribe was forced to relocate from its ancestral homeland in central New York under pressure from expansionist European-American settlers and business interests. | | | |
Amid post-Roe restrictions on abortion, church webinar highlights faith-based advocacy for reproductive rights | As Americans prepare to mark 50 years since the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision on Jan. 22, 1973, this will be the first such anniversary since that landmark decision was overturned by a June 2022 ruling eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion. On Jan. | | | |
Michigan bishops step up calls for gun reforms as Democrats take control of state government | The three Episcopal bishops who lead Michigan's four dioceses rallied behind anti-gun violence legislation on Jan. 18 in a lobbying day organized by the ecumenical and interfaith advocacy campaign End Gun Violence Michigan. The Michigan Legislature opened last week with Democrats in control of both houses and the governorship for the first time in 40 years. | | | |
Los Angeles: Presiding bishop leads King Day 'Power of Love' celebration, call for housing justice | Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, along with Bishop John Harvey Taylor and Mayor Karen Bass, issued a rousing call for housing and socioeconomic justice at the Jan. 15 annual King Day celebration in the Diocese of Los Angeles, where more than 40,000 are homeless and five people die daily on the streets. | | | |
Diocese of New York establishes credit union to expand community access to financial services | St. James' Episcopal Church in the Bronx borough of New York serves about 500 people through its parish food pantry. Low-income households, like those receiving the pantry's assistance, also typically use banks less than the general population. | | | |
Rome's Anglican Centre promotes ecumenism in the Eternal City and beyond | Every Tuesday, the Anglican Centre in Rome hosts a midday Eucharist in the Chapel of St. Augustine of Canterbury followed by a lively luncheon on its premises in the Doria Pamphilj Palace in Roman College Square, just steps from the Pantheon in the heart of the Italian capital's historic center. | | | |
South Dakota program restores the 'shared roots' of disappearing prairie grasses | Nestled under the accumulating snow from a mid-December South Dakota blizzard, prairie grass seeds and wildflower seeds bide their time, waiting for the right moment - perhaps this spring and summer, perhaps next - to burst forth. | | | |
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Please email any events, articles, or notifications you desire to be
included in the next monthly enewsletter to Canon Christopher Hillak,
Missioner for Communications and Operations, by February 25. Thank you!
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The Episcopal Diocese
of Northern Indiana
117 N. Lafayette Blvd.
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 233-6489
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