Dear Potential Pilgrims - 

Registration is now open for Episcopalians in Indiana who would like to join us on our April 29 - May 9, 2025 "In the Footsteps of St. Francis & St. Clare" pilgrimage to Assisi with the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. It is going to be a fantastic trip. Information is available as follows:

• Our EDNIN Diocesan Assisi page, with links for more information and Bishop Doug's reflections
• The Shalem Assisi page, with cost details and a "Contact Michelle" button to request the registration link from Shalem.

To register, send a direct email to the program administrator - Michelle Geuder at michelle@shalem.org and mention that you are traveling with the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana or Indianapolis. A non-refundable $500 down payment is required at that time. The payment schedule is $1,350 due on January 15, 2025 and the remaining $1,350 due on February 28, 2025 (if applicable, the $300 single room supplement is also due at this time). Remember that airfare is separate from this cost and your responsibility to book at a future date.

Blessings to you as you decide whether this pilgrimage is right for you.

- Missioner Michelle

In case you haven't heard, Diocesan Convention this year, "The Mission of Sacred Places" includes an optional Friday (10/25) evening reception, worship, with workshops and we need your help! We've brainstormed too many great workshop ideas and need assistance in narrowing 12 down to 6. Will you visit this page and click on the red button labeled "Help us Select Our Workshop Offerings" and vote? While you're on the page, check out the schedule for both days and notice the information about reserving a room for Friday night if you will be staying over. More details to follow.

2024 Fall Youth Retreat

Date: September 6, 7 p.m. (EDT) - September 8, 11 a.m. (EDT)

Where: Wawasee Episcopal Center (Syracuse)

Who: 6th-12th grade teens

Cost: $25 per person

As the new school year begins we want to celebrate the end of summer and beginning of Fall for our youth. The Fall Retreat is a time to share our faith with one another, strengthen our friendships and share in fellowship as we head back to school and the busy life that brings about. Jesus is the vine and we are his branches so let us go forth and bear great fruit as we go back to school.

Since our Fall retreat is early, we may be able to do a little swimming too. Bring a modest bathing suit and a beach towel with you.  

If you have any questions, please call or text Carol Bianchini 574-551-3087

Renewal of Ministry with the Welcoming of a New Rector

Date: September 26, 2024, 6:30 p.m. (EDT)

Where: Saint Michael and All Angels (South Bend)

Join the people of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in welcoming The Rev. Jennifer Fulton and for her installation as their new rector.

Save the Date

2024 Fall Clergy Retreat

Date: October 14-16, 2024

Where: Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center

At its June meeting, Diocesan Council approved updated versions of our Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth and Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults. Both policies are local adaptations of Model Policies provided by the Episcopal Church. If you are a parish/diocesan leader, or if you participate in a ministry that involves children, youth, or vulnerable adults, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with and implementing these policies as applicable. 

If you have a Praesidium Academy Account, you can get credit towards your training renewal by logging in, selecting either Policies: The Episcopal Church Model Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth (ENG) or Policies: The Episcopal Church Model Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (ENG), and verifying that you have read the policy in question. If you do not already have a Praesidium Academy Account, please contact Missioner Cindy Spice at safeguarding@ednin.org.

Bishop Doug Sparks and Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows provided the following update on our reunification discernment process to the Episcopal News Service for a story they were doing on diocesan mergers. You can read the full ENS article here.

After conducting initial listening earlier this year, the discernment team is hard at work researching and modeling what a reunified diocese might possibly look like. From staffing, governance, budget, pastoral care, and mission, we are deepening the exploration of current practices in order to envision what coming back together might look like. In the meantime, Bishops Sparks and Baskerville-Burrows are planning more opportunities for all of us get to know each other better. Building on events held pre-pandemic, there will be opportunities for joint clergy gatherings, meetings of leadership bodies, staff development, attendance and workshops at diocesan conventions, and for the first time, cross-diocesan episcopal visitations.

The Reunification Discernment Committee requests your prayers as it continues its work. Click here for options from which to choose.

The Episcopal Church has opened applications for appointments to various interim bodies created by General Convention. These committees, commissions, and task forces are essential in carrying out the church’s work between conventions and addressing key priorities for the 2025-2027 triennium.

Applications are due by Aug. 5 and can be found online in English, Spanish, and French.

Members are appointed by Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe and President of the House of Deputies Julia Ayala Harris. The first batch of appointments will be announced in September.

“Serving on an interim body is a vital way for Episcopalians across the spectrum of our church to actively participate in our governance,” Ayala Harris said. “We believe in the importance of diverse voices and perspectives, which is why these opportunities are open to all members of The Episcopal Church, regardless of their background or level of experience.”

Appointments to standing commissions typically last two triennia, while other appointments, including those to task forces, often last one triennium. The appointment process for some task forces may continue through the fall as additional committees are formed.

Ayala Harris added, “Whether you’re a seasoned church leader or a newcomer with fresh ideas, we warmly welcome and strongly encourage you to apply. This is your chance to help shape the future of our church and make a meaningful impact on its mission and ministry.”

The application form allows candidates to select areas of interest and highlight relevant skills and experience. All interested Episcopalians are encouraged to apply.

For more information or to submit questions, please contact the General Convention Office at gc.support@episcopalchurch.org.

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.

Click here to read the Province V August newsletter.