Announcements
Have a safe and fun Halloween!
COVID-19 Guidelines for Worship
Distance
Important Update: The State of Louisiana continues in Phase 3 of the plan to reopen businesses and public spaces. Based upon the Governor’s Phase 3 proclamation, as well as the most recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the Louisiana Department of Health. Click here to view the updated Guidelines for Churches in the Diocese of Western Louisiana until further notice.

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 remotely checking office voicemails twice a day during regular business hours. They also remain accessible via email and online meeting platforms.
Diocesan Events
Virtual Series from Bishop Jake Available for Viewing
Bishop Jake wrapped up a four-part virtual series discussing the power of love in our everyday lives last Thursday evening. If you missed a single session, or want to binge watch the whole series, simply click the titles below.


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
Episcopal Volunteers Join United Way in Lake Charles Cleanup
On Wednesday, October 21, United Way of Southwest Louisiana invited organizations involved in hurricane recovery to gather in the Autumn Run neighborhood in Lake Charles for a cleanup project. Autumn Run is one of many areas still struggling to clear out debris before they can begin critical home repairs. Representing our diocese were Wendy and Luke Begneaud from Lafayette, Cindy Robertson from Sulphur, and Katie Chapman, Daniel Chapman, and Joy Owensby from the Alexandria area. The next day, Lake Charles was featured on Good Morning America and included some footage filmed in Autumn Run. Click here to watch (the Lake Charles story begins at 32:10 and includes our volunteers in the opening segment).
Online Giving
Hurricane Relief Fund
Donations will directly assist churches, diocesan ministries/organizations, and local communities affected by Hurricanes Laura and Delta.
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
A National Service for Healing and Wholeness
Resources
The Emotional Life Cycle of a Disaster
We are seeing the effects of COVID-19 in disaster response, online and hybrid schooling and even voting in the presidential election. Depending on where you are on the Emotional Life Cycle of a Disaster, the novelty of it all has probably worn off. Katie Mears, Director for the US Disaster Program, provides a short explanation of the life cycle.
Bishop Owensby's Latest Blog Post
No One Is An Accident

Almost forty percent of the births in the United States each year result from unintended pregnancies. Unsurprisingly, then, there are scores and scores of articles offering parents advice on whether or not to tell their children that they were an ...

Read more
jakeowensby.com