News from Province V - March 2023 | |
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Highlights of this edition:
- Opening Prayers
- Suicide Prevention: Bible Study
- Creation Care Event
- Congratulations to Jane Cisluycis!
- Harriet Tubman - March 10
- Ana Reza speaks at Migration Ministry Network
- Leadership Coaching Project
- The Asylum Rule - Mar 3
- Episcopal Parish Network annual conference
- Recovery Ministries Event - Apr 26-29
- Deep Green Faith: Job Posting
- New Book: Reparations
-
UN Commission on the Status of Women
- Episcopal Church Revival - July9-12
- Networking Conversation
- Affiliated Organizations
- Upcoming Events and Webinars
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Opening Prayer
Calendar Prayer
God, you sanctify time and history:
I acknowledge you as Sovereign of my time.
As I plan my schedule and update my calendar,
help me to set right priorities,
to use my time and talent justly and prudently.
Help me to remember those
who need the gift of my time most,
especially my dear friends and family.
Let me honor my body
with time for rest and play,
and let me honor you
by keeping Sabbath time holy.
I ask this through Jesus Christ,
Who entered time to redeem it— and me.
Simple Prayers for Complicated Lives, Jennifer Phillips, Seabury Books 2006 p. 18
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Bible Study
Escaping the Whale, Queen, and Valley: Healing and Understanding the Suicidal Crisis
A Virtual Lenten Bible Study
Mondays in Lent: Mar 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3
7:30-9 pm ET / 6:30-8 pm CT
Registration - it's not too late to join in
Facebook Event
Preview Recording - you can use this link to share with others: https://youtu.be/cWddxQg3gaA
Event website with details
Session 2 documents
Description
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.
Register to receive your personal link and reminders
All those who register will receive reminders and materials. Because of the sensitive nature of the conversation, these sessions will not be recorded. Come when you are able to participate in this new resource.
graphic created by Christopher Hillak, Northern Indiana
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Creation Care Event: May 5-7
Rooted in Soil and Grounded in Faith:
Resources for Sustained Creation Care
Weekend Retreat and Workshop
May 5 - 7, 2023
Nazareth Retreat Center, Nazareth, KY 40048
Hosted by: Provinces IV and V Creation Care Networks
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 (included meals. scholarships available)
For more information and registration, go to event registration page at:
https://www.provincev.org/creation2023event.html
graphic created by Christopher Hillak, Northern Indiana
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Congratulations to Jane Cisluycis!
Jane Cisluycis has been serving on the Province V Executive Board for 11 years, most recently as the president.
You maybe have seen the news about her new job: Jane Cisluycis, canon to the ordinary for operations in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan, has been appointed acting chief operating officer for The Episcopal Church by the Executive Council during its Feb. 9-12 gathering in San Francisco. Cisluysis was jointly nominated for the position by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and President of the House of Deputies Julia Ayala Harris.
Congratulations to Jane! We will certainly miss her as part of the leadership team of Province V.
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Celebrate the life and faith of Harriet Tubman
March 10, 8pm ET / 7 pm CT
Hosted by Tell Me the Truth About Racism
The Episcopal church is gathering virtually on March 10th for a new observance of Harriet Ross Tubman, honoring her 110 years after the day of her death. By act of 2022 General Convention, this year is the first time she will be honored on this day, prioritizing her as one of the great cloud of witnesses that inspire our faith. All are invited to wonder about this amazing woman together in a zoom gathering March 10th at 8pm Eastern time, and through videos suitable for children and adults, including a welcome message from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.
See the video pilgrimage and Presiding Bishop's message here.
See the full press release with all the details.
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Ana Reza Speaks at
Migration Ministry Network
March 21, 2023
8-9 pm ET / 7-8 pm CT
Ana Reza, Diocese of the Rio Grande
Rio Grande Borderland Ministry
Join on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81246380265 (password: 5)
A VIEW FROM THE BORDER: RIO GRANDE BORDERLAND MINISTRY
Ana Reza will share the work of the Rio Grande Borderland Ministry in the diocese of the Rio Grande. Their work includes bringing awareness of the need to welcome refugees with dignity by calling people to know and support our work in El Paso and the Big Bend area. This ministry is always looking to collaborate locally and nationally with congregations, dioceses and organizations to work to bring God’s love and dignity to our borders and beyond.
Ana L. Reza is a first generation, Mexican-American. She was born and raised in El Paso, TX. A community activist in la Frontera working with issues of fair housing, education, saving our history, militarization of our border and immigrant rights. Currently working for the Diocese of the Rio Grande as their Bridge Chaplain. Ana is the shelter coordinator of a shelter for asylum seekers at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in El Paso, TX.
Join on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81246380265 (password: 5)
network webpage: https://www.provincev.org/migration.html
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Hiding from a tough conversation?
Plan it out with support from a Leadership Coach.
You know the thing: the conversation you’re putting off because it feels heavy. The person you’re avoiding, the hard decision you need to make, the frustration you’re swallowing. The problem you wish would solve itself.
And you also know this: every day you push it off, you spend time and energy dreading that conversation, without the reward of resolving it.
Whether you’re a Vestry member, church staff, or clergy, a leadership coach can help you sort out how to engage what’s important with honesty and curiosity, so you’re free to move forward.
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Coaches are available to ALL leaders – clergy and lay. You can be coached individually, create a group of people, or bring a team together for creating shared goals and plans. Our coaches offer an introductory session so you can together discern if you are a good fit. If you work in a rural area, you may qualify for free coaching. Meet with a trained coach this week to find out how we can offer you a safe, brave space to dream and plan, setting goals to expand, enhance and enrich your ministry.
https://www.provincev.org/lcp.html
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A Closer Look: The Asylum Rule
The Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations webinar:
Friday, March 3, 1PM EST
On February 23, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a new rule that would make it so that migrants who ask for asylum at our southern border are assumed to be ineligible for asylum unless they have pre-scheduled an appointment to enter or were first denied asylum protection in a country through which they traveled on the way to the United States.
This policy not only violates U.S. law but puts in danger the lives of countless migrants and their families who are seeking protection in our country at our border.
There is an opportunity for the public to respond to the proposed rule, but the window is only open until March 27. After the comment period has closed, the DOJ and DHS will be required to read all the submitted comments and take them into consideration in finalizing the rule.
Please join The Office of Government Relations on Friday, March 3 from 1 pm-1:30 pm ET as they explain the substance of the rule and how it affects those who are seeking asylum at the U.S. southwest border, and how you can draft and submit a public comment on this proposed rule before it is finalized. This will be recorded for all who register.
Register HERE.
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Episcopal Parish Network
Mar 8-11, 2023 - Annual Conference
Jacksonville, FL
THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER
The Episcopal Parish Network (EPN) invites you to join us in Jacksonville, Florida, for unparalleled connection, learning, and networking at our 38th Annual Conference—the largest and most anticipated annual conference in the Episcopal Church.
Registration and Information
Printable Flyer
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Deep Green Faith: Job Posting
The Center for Deep Green Faith
New Position Posting: Administrative and Communications Assistant
10 hours / week
The successful candidate should have good organizational skills, with experience in digital operations such as Constant Contact, website management, YouTube, and basic graphic design. Additional skills in publicity and social media preferred. A proven interest in faith-inspired earth care is desirable.
All the details
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A Spiritual Plan for churches to Dismantle Racism
Written by the chair of the Reparations Task Force of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Reparations: A Plan for Churches shows Christians how to make the work of restitution a reality through honest fact-finding and truth-telling, substantive and sustained engagement with those to whom reparations are owed, clear statements about what reparations are for, and focused action to carry-through on the work of reparations. Foreword by Stephanie Spellers.
Available from any Episcopal bookstore, Amazon, Bookshop, or your favorite bookstore.
List Price: $26.95 | Paperback | 9781640656093
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UNCSW
Episcopal Church announces delegates, invites churchwide participation in 67th UN Commission on the Status of Women
Returning in person for the first time since the pandemic began in 2020, The Episcopal Church and Anglican partners will advocate for global issues that impact women and girls in all their diversity at the 67th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) in New York City, March 6-17.
A presiding bishop’s delegation of nine women will represent the church in person and virtually at the conference. All Episcopalians and Anglicans are invited to register online for events that include the following:
- Mon., Feb. 27, 4-5:30 p.m. ET (virtual): “Welcome to CSW67: Meet the Presiding Bishop’s Delegation,” a meet-and-greet, Q&A session
- Mon., March 6, 12:10-1 p.m. ET (hybrid): “UNCSW67 Opening Eucharist” for all participants, hosted by the presiding bishop’s delegation
- Fri., March 17, 12:10-1 p.m. ET (hybrid): “UNCSW67 Closing Eucharist”
- Thurs., March 23, 4-5:30 p.m. ET (virtual): “Taking It Back Home: Report Back from the Presiding Bishop’s Delegation,” Q&A session
Province V Members of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s delegation—selected through an application process earlier this year—are as follows:
- Ailysh Cooper, Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, Province V
- Ellen Lindeen, Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, Province V
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Episcopal Church Revival
Mark your calendar!
July 9-12, 2023
Baltimore, MD
"It's All About Love: A Festival for the Jesus Movement"
We hope your calendars are marked for July 9-12 in Baltimore, when all are invited to "It's All About Love: A Festival for the Jesus Movement." This church-wide revival will feature worship, learning, network-building, fellowship and action focused on Evangelism, Reconciliation and Creation Care. Begins with revival worship on Sunday evening, July 9; closing session on Wednesday afternoon, July 12.
Registration details coming very soon. Join in person or host a virtual satellite event in your community. Let's kick off Presiding Bishop Curry's final year with a revival that energizes and inspires us all to live and share Jesus's Way of Love.
Sign up for updates that will come directly to you.
If you have questions, reach out to Jerusalem Greer at jgreer@episcopalchurch.org
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Networking Conversations
Province V's work in the world is to "Connect. Network. Support." Networks exist for people to gather around areas of interest and share resources with each other. Sometimes, networks host webinars to share information and sometimes they develop new resources to support leaders in their local contexts.
There are a number of networks meeting regularly and several that are just getting organized. Most network meetings last about 60 minutes. See their webpages or email their contact for more information.
For a full list of Networks and other Affiliated Organizations, visit the Province V website.
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Anti-Human Trafficking
This network is on hiatus.
Look for special events.
Magdalene House, Chicago - Online Shop now live!
Support this amazing organization by ordering from their new shop!
Like their Facebook Page!
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Dismantling Racism
Date of next meeting: Mar 2, 1 pm ET / 12 noon CT
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88215961535 (password: 5)
Convener: Margaret D'Anieri, Ohio
webpage: https://www.provincev.org/dismantlingracism.html
March's event
March will be sharing what we’ve learned from other Dioceses about developing a listening process to engage congregations in reparations work, as well as how we’ve structured our own listening sessions.
Facilitator: Sister Veronica Dunbar
A prayer:
Uproot Racism
Good and gracious God, you invite us to recognize and reverence your divine image and likeness in our neighbor. Enable us to see the reality of racism and free us to challenge and uproot it from our society, our world and ourselves.
This we pray.
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
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Migration Ministries
Date of next meeting: Mar 21, 8 pm ET / 7 pm C
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81246380265 (password: 5)
Conveners: Silvia Huth, Michigan and Jack Lloyd, Chicago
webpage: https://www.provincev.org/migration.html
March's Guest Speaker:
Ana Reza, Diocese of the Rio Grande
Rio Grande Borderland Ministry
A VIEW FROM THE BORDER: RIO GRANDE BORDERLAND MINISTRY
Ana Reza will share the work of the Rio Grande Borderland Ministry in the diocese of the Rio Grande. Their work includes bringing awareness of the need to welcome refugees with dignity by calling people to know and support our work in El Paso and the Big Bend area. This ministry is always looking to collaborate locally and nationally with congregations, dioceses and organizations to work to bring God’s love and dignity to our borders and beyond.
Ana L. Reza is a first generation, Mexican-American. She was born and raised in El Paso, TX. A community activist in la Frontera working with issues of fair housing, education, saving our history, militarization of our border and immigrant rights. Currently working for the Diocese of the Rio Grande as their Bridge Chaplain. Ana is the shelter coordinator of a shelter for asylum seekers at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in El Paso, TX.
A Closer Look: The Asylum Rule
The Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations webinar
Friday, March 3, 1PM EST
On February 23, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a new rule that would make it so that migrants who ask for asylum at our southern border are assumed to be ineligible for asylum unless they have pre-scheduled an appointment to enter or were first denied asylum protection in a country through which they traveled on the way to the United States.
This policy not only violates U.S. law but puts in danger the lives of countless migrants and their families who are seeking protection in our country at our border.
There is an opportunity for the public to respond to the proposed rule, but the window is only open until March 27. After the comment period has closed, the DOJ and DHS will be required to read all the submitted comments and take them into consideration in finalizing the rule.
Please join The Office of Government Relations on Friday, March 3 from 1 pm-1:30 pm ET as they explain the substance of the rule and how it affects those who are seeking asylum at the U.S. southwest border, and how you can draft and submit a public comment on this proposed rule before it is finalized. This will be recorded for all who register.
Register HERE.
Episcopal Asylum & DetentionMinistry Network
Episcopal Migration Ministry hosts an Asylum and Detention Ministry Network that meets virtually on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The Ministry Network’s collaborative work and conversation focus on best practice-sharing in areas of direct service, organizing, advocacy actions, Christian formation and worship resources, and community education to protect asylum, promote humane and dignified alternatives to detention, and to support asylum seekers and those harmed by the immigration detention system. Learn more and register to attend meetings here.
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Young Adult / Campus Ministry
Date of next meeting: May 18, 12:30 pm E / 11:30 am C
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85299879711 (password 5)
Convener: Matthew Lukens, Michigan
webpage: https://www.provincev.org/yacm.html
The Episcopal Church event:
Save the Date for this summer for Young Adult/Campus Ministry Conference
Available online and on-site in San Diego
Pre-Conference June 19-20
Conference June 20-23
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Affiliated Organizations
There are a number of organizations affiliated with the Episcopal Church and working across Province V. This groups have a "structure" that is more organized than a network. They have resources and information that is useful in your local ministry contexts.
For a full list of Networks and other Affiliated Organizations, visit the Province V website.
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Church Periodical Club
Adult grants due by March 1st. See website for more information.
Have a CPC ingathering – A CPC Sunday. Need materials?
Website has products and order form.
Grants are for all types for written materials from DVDs to Kindle to magazine and books. Questions?????? Maryfrancrist64@gmail.com
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Historical Society of the Episcopal Church
Are you wanting to do some research in church history, but don’t have the funds to make it happen? Consider applying for a grant from the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church. To learn more about the Historical Society, visit hsec.us. To take advantage of this offer, send an email to Matthew P. Payne, Director of Operations at administration@hsec.us.
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United Thank Offering
Subscribe to the newsletter
click here
UTO Lenten Book Group: Uncommon Gratitude
Description
UTO is offering a 6-session book club on Uncommon Gratitude: Alleluia for All That Is by Joan Chittister and Rowan Williams. The book is broken into three sections: discovering what we are, becoming who we are and growing into the unknown, however we’ll break this up a bit more to decrease the reading for each session. This is a perfect text to explore during Lent because as the book jacket describes, it looks at things which are easy to give thanks for and some that are much harder. Rowan Williams engages the materials from his belief that no matter what, the proper stance of the Christian in the world is one of gratitude and as Joan Chittister writes: “Life itself is an exercise in learning to sing ‘alleluia’.”
We’ll explore this book together and see what we can learn about gratitude in all aspects of life. While reading the text prior to the meeting will enhance your experience, it is not required. You’re also welcome to attend all 6 sessions or just the ones when you’re available.
Wednesday, March 1 at Noon Eastern – Introduction, Faith, Doubt, Wealth
Wednesday, March 8 at Noon Eastern – Poverty, Differences, Divisions, Conflict
Wednesday, March 15 at Noon Eastern – Sinners, Saints, Genesis, Life
Wednesday, March 22 at Noon Eastern – Unity, Otherness, Past, Peace
Wednesday, March 29 at Noon Eastern – Suffering, Crises, Exodus, Friday
Wednesday, April 5 at Noon Eastern – Death, Future, Darkness, God
Register here
Grant
United Thank Offering invites 2023 annual grants
Five webinars will provide info, answer questions
The United Thank Offering (UTO) Board is pleased to announce the availability of its 2023 UTO Annual Grants, with a focus on the worldwide incarceration crisis. These grants are awarded for projects in The Episcopal Church and throughout the Anglican Communion, each year with a different focus.
Grant application deadlines:
- 5 p.m. ET March 10, for dioceses of The Episcopal Church.
More information—including criteria for applicants, sample budgets and timelines, and helpful hints—as well as application and other forms are available online in English and Spanish.
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Upcoming Events and webinars
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Province V Executive Board
Do you have questions about Province V? Would you like to be more involved in planning the events that are offered at the provincial level? The Executive Board of the Province meets monthly on fourth Fridays at 10 am via zoom.
Contact your diocesan representative to the Executive Board:
The Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter, Fond du Lac and Eau Claire, President
Mr. Rick Stanitis, Northern Michigan, Vice President
Ms. Adrienne Dillon, Missouri, Secretary
Ms. Rebecca Elfring-Roberts, Chicago, Treasurer
Ms. Louisa McKellaston, Executive Council Representative
The Rev. M.E. Eccles, Executive Council Representative
Ms. Laura Jackson, Chicago
Dr. Elizabeth Jordan, Eastern Michigan
The Rev. Marlene Hogue, Eau Claire
Ms. Chris Eggert-Rosenthal, Fond du Lac
Ms. Lesley MacKellar, Indianapolis
Dr. Edie Wakevainen, Michigan
The Rev. Matthew Buterbaugh, Milwaukee
Ms. Betty Bowersox, Missouri
Mr. Christopher Hillak, Northern Indiana
Mr. Rick Stanitis, Northern Michigan
The Rev. Rachel Harrison, Ohio
Mr. Edward Lasseigne, Southern Ohio
Ms. Jan Goossens, Springfield
Ms. Joanie Smith, Western Michigan
Heather Barta, Province V Coordinator
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