St. Philip's History Found | | |
After moving to Anderson, Indiana, Chuck and Wendy Shortridge were so happy with their new home, they'd started saying, "God is in this house." Later, they came across across a discarded box, forgotten in the attic. Inside were a few crafts, and a framed document covered in dirt. Barely visible at the top were the first words: "In the Name of GOD. Amen."
What they'd found was the Act of Consecration from 1913 of St. Philip's first church building. The document commemorates a seminal moment in the life of the congregation. To be consecrated, the building had to be debt free. From 1901 to 1913, St. Philip's members had personally given or raised 92% of the funds to build and pay off this building, over $300,000 in inflation adjusted dollars.
Once the loan was paid off and the building was consecrated, St. Philip's was able to become the first self-governing Black Episcopal parish in the State of Indiana. At the services of consecration, Bishop Joseph Marshall Francis was met at the door by the first vestry members of the parish: William Fielding, Albert Henderson, Charles Lanier, Augustus McFarland, and Carr Settles. Shortly thereafter, St. Philip's would call their first African-American pastor, the Rev. Arnold Maloney.
At the moment, no one has any idea how this document ended up in Chuck and Wendy's house. But we sure are grateful that they found it and took the time to reach out to us!
| | CBCP News: Follow Your Ministry Dreams | | |
The latest blog post on the CBCP website is a story of perseverance, partnerships and God’s faithfulness, as told to us by the Rev. Allen D. Rutherford, Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Mt. Vernon. Click here to read it and be inspired for following the ministry dreams of your congregation.
Questions? Contact Linda Buskirk, Project Director, Church Buildings for Collaborative Partnerships.
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Diocesan Youth Confirmation Retreat
March 13- 15
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Current 9th–12th graders from central and southern Indiana are invited to the Diocesan Youth Confirmation Retreat at Waycross Camp & Conference Center, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. ET to March 15 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
This retreat helps high school students explore faith, ask honest questions, and prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. Youth who choose to be confirmed after the process may do so at their parish during the Bishop’s next visitation or at the Regional Confirmation service on May 16, 2026 at Christ Church Cathedral. Registration is due March 1. Space is limited to 30 youth.
Click here to register.
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Wednesday, February 18, Ash Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. ET - prayer vigil at the Clay County Detention Center in Brazil, Indiana.
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Sunday, February 22 at 4:00 p.m. ET - Public witness at the Governor's mansion in Indy. We'll be calling on the Governor to end the holding of ICE detainees at the Miami Correctional Facility.
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Monday, February 23 at 6:00 p.m. ET (note the time change) - prayer vigil at Southside Christian Church in Kokomo.
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Wednesday, February 25th - join ecumenical and interfaith leaders in Washington, DC, for a public witness grounded in worship, moral courage, and solidarity with our neighbors. The day will begin with worship, followed by a prayerful procession to the U.S. Capitol and afternoon congressional visits. Stay tuned for livestream information. You can go to faithfulresistance.org to learn more and register.
| | Annual Meeting Reminder and Resources for Clergy and Wardens | | |
As Annual Meetings are held, we would like to remind clergy and wardens to submit the online Change of Leadership form so that Diocesan records and contact information are accurate. Email Erinna Vandever if you would like to see a list of who is currently listed.
The following role descriptions are available for those considering leadership positions.
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2025 Parochial Report
Due March 1
| | The annual parochial report is a summary of the life of a congregation, collecting data about a church's ministries, finances, and membership. Congregations are required to file their 2025 parochial reports by March 1, 2026. The parochial report is filed online at this link; detailed instructions can be found here. For help logging in, please contact Julie Eledah. | | |
Please click here to see upcoming IndyDio events. upcoming IndyDio events.
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Absalom Jones Celebration
February 14
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Join St. Philip's and diocesan partners on February 14 at 11:00 a.m. ET/10:00 a,.m. CT at St. Philip's, Indy for a celebration of the life of Absalom Jones, the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church. Bishop Jennifer will preside at Eucharist, and the Rev. Aaron Rogers, Missioner for Black Ministries in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, will preach. A joint choir of St. Philip's members and El Coro Latinoamericano will offer music.
A catered reception will follow. All are invited, and RSVPs are helpful! Please RSVP here.
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Religious Liberty at 250: An Ideal, a Necessity, and a Work in Progress
February 19
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You're invited to join a free public forum and opening keynote event in a series of 3 public forums on why religious liberty mattered at America’s founding, who was part of making this a value, who was left out of the conversation, how the promise of Religious Liberty has unfolded over time. Moderated by Dr. Clete Ladd, Keynote Address by Dr. Wes Bishop.
This event is sponsored by Center for Interfaith Cooperation and Christ Church Cathedral. It will take place at Christ Church Cathedral, Indy on February 19 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. ET/5:00-6:30 p.m. CT.
Click here to reserve your spot for free!
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Lay Eucharistic Visitor (LEV) Training Offered
February 26
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Lay Eucharistic Visitor training will be offered Thursday, February 26 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. ET/6:00-7:30 p.m. CT on zoom. This training is for those new to this ministry who have been invited to serve by their clergy or vestry and those who seek to be relicensed. Training includes how to prepare for and conduct a eucharistic visit; boundaries in visiting; interfacing with clergy and caregivers. Participation in the training is one of several requirements to be licensed as an LEV.
Click here to register
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Ordination to the Priesthood of The Rev. Dr. Carolin Frueh
February 28
| God willing and people consenting, Bishop Jennifer will ordain Carolin Frueh to the Sacred Order of Priesthood on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00 am ET at Chapel of the Good Shepherd in West Lafayette. Reception to follow. Clergy are invited to vest and process: red stoles. | |
Ukrainian Easter Egg Decorating
February 28/March 7
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Please join Church of the Nativity, Indy on February 28 and/or March 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET to learn and practice the art of Pysanky, a wax-resist method of decorating Easter Eggs, developed in Ukraine. Cost: $12 per session We will learn how this activity can be a practice of prayer for Lent.
Please let Dontie Fuller know you will attend by email.
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Save the Date | Sisters Building Bridges: Creating connections between the church & Latina-led nonprofit organizations
March 14
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Inspired by courageous women in Scripture, the Episcopal Women's Ministries (EWM) invites women to a year of connection with our Latina neighbors—sharing stories, meals, and support. Join us for the kickoff luncheon on Saturday, March 14 from 12:00-2:30 p.m. ET at St. Paul’s Indy, featuring Dr. Nicole Martinez-LeGrand and Latina social entrepreneurs. Facilitated by Rev. Yuriria (Yuri) Rodríguez.
For more info, please follow EWM on Facebook.
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Province V and VI Women Clergy Retreat
May 31 – June 3
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Join women clergy from Province V and VI May 31-June 3 for an open, safe space for women clergy to come together, support one another, learn from each other, and honor the life-giving connections we have with God, each other, our congregations and communities, the world, and the planet. It will be hosted at St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt, Michigan and the cost is $360 includes lodging, meals, and retreat material (if you need financial assistance, see the web site)
Check out the event website.
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New Summer Camp Session for 2026: Mini Camp
June 30-July 3
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Mini Camp is a half week-session and is the perfect intro to camp for our youngest campers who have completed grades K-2! Packed with all the fun of camp - like swimming, crafts, songs, nature walks, and campfires - Mini Camp offers an environment where young campers can build confidence, independence, make new friends, and experience the joy of camp life.
Click here to register.
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Youth Ministry University | Safe & Seen: Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Youth Ministry
February 10
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Understand how to make your youth ministry a refuge for young people navigating anxiety, conflict, and trauma. We’ll cover mental health basics, trauma-sensitive practices, and how to pastor youth while holding boundaries and sustaining your own emotional health.
Click here to register
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Diocesan Youth Mission Trip
July 5-10
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All current 6th through 12th graders in the 2025-2026 academic year are invited on our annual Diocesan Youth Mission Trip to Detroit, MI July 5th-10th, 2026.
Participants will work with service partners connected to local Episcopal churches. We will stay at Christ Church Cranbrook, located in the north suburbs of Detroit. Service activities will be a mix of social and physical, with opportunities to experience the rich culture of Detroit. Registration is due June 1. Space is limited to 30 youth and 12 adults. Registration for youth is just $300, our lowest price for the mission trip ever!
Click here to register.
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February 8: Diocesan Cooperating Ministries and the people they serve: Alternatives, Inc., The Avenue, Craine House, Damien Center, Dayspring Center, Exodus Refugee Center, Julian Center, St. Nicholas Early Learning Center, St. Richard’s School, and Trinity Haven
February 15: Good Shepherd, West Lafayette | The Rev. Dr. Hilary Cooke, Chaplain, The Rev. Dr. Carolin Frueh
In February please pray for Creation Care agencies and their efforts
See the Cycle of Prayer
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Current Listings:
- Part-Time Priest | St. John's, Speedway
- Full-Time Rector | St Matthew's, Indianapolis
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