April 6, 2022
News
Resuming Use of the Common Cup:
A Letter from Bishop Jennifer
On March 29, Bishop Jennifer announced that congregations may resume the use of the common cup (Eucharistic chalice) as part of the regular practice of receiving Holy Communion. 

"The depth of our longing to receive communion in both kinds speaks to our desire to be one with Christ and one another in the Eucharistic feast," she wrote. "We have waited long for this day. As we approach the holiest days of our year—Holy Week and Easter—I rejoice that we will be able to offer and participate in the sacrament that, along with baptism, most makes us who we are: the Body of Christ."

Fill out the 2022 Diocesan Convention Survey
Everyone is invited to attend convention
The 185th convention of the Diocese of Indianapolis will take place November 5 at the Embassy Suites in Plainfield. In addition to delegates and clergy, all members of the diocese are welcome to attend.

The planning team is seeking input from anyone who plans to attend convention. Please fill out this short survey by April 22.
Reception and New Office Blessing on May 14
Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows and Dean Gray Lesesne invite the people of the Diocese of Indianapolis to join the reception and blessing of the new shared diocesan and cathedral office space on Saturday, May 14 from 1 p.m. Eastern/12 p.m. Central to 3 p.m. Eastern/2 p.m. Central. Attendees are invited to gather at Christ Church Cathedral at 1 p.m. Eastern for a reception, and will proceed to the offices at 2 p.m. Eastern for a blessing.


Diocesan Forms Due
Certification of Parish Leadership, Convention Delegates
Please ensure that your parish has submitted a 2022 Convention Delegates Form as well as a Certification of Parish Leadership Form.
Spiritual Direction Internship Program Begins in September
Application Now Available
Applications are now open for the next cohort of the spiritual direction internship offered by Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center.

In this two-year ecumenical program, interns discern whether they are called to the ministry of spiritual direction, develop skills necessary to be a spiritual director, and enrich their own spiritual life. Applications are open through June and the cohort will begin meeting in September.

Contact Bev Hansberry or download a flyer to learn more.
Racial Equity Institute Training on Zoom
On April 30 from from 9 a.m. Eastern/8 a.m. Central to 12 p.m. Eastern/11 a.m. Central, Christ Church Cathedral will host a Zoom training with the Racial Equity Institute (REI).

REI trainers use stories and data to demonstrate how racism is fundamentally structural in nature. By examining characteristics of modern-day racial inequity, the presentation introduces participants to an analysis that most find immediately helpful and relevant. There are a limited number of spots available.

Offer Churchwide Budget Input by April 8
The Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget and Finance welcomes feedback from all Episcopalians on the 2023-2024 Episcopal Church budget as it was received from Executive Council. Download the budget and fill out the feedback form by April 8.

Sponsor a 2022 Holy Hike
Holy Hikes in the Diocese of Indianapolis is seeking congregations willing to sponsor a hike. Sponsoring congregations are responsible for locating an easy hike in a nearby park or nature preserve, inviting participants, and providing a simple service of prayer and scripture. Hikes are usually held on a Saturday afternoon and there is no charge to participate.

Please contact Deacon Cathy Scott to reserve a month to sponsor or to ask questions.
Update on Stock Donations
Due to the diocese's recent change in investment advisors, the delivery instructions for donors wishing to make contributions to churches using stocks or other securities have changed.

Please contact Canon Brendan O'Sullivan-Hale for updated instructions if a donor wishes to make such a contribution.
Events
Clergy Renewal of Vows and Blessing of Chrism
April 12 at Christ Church Cathedral
The renewal of vows for clergy and blessing of chrism will take place on April 12 at 12:05 p.m. Eastern/11:05 p.m. Central at Christ Church Cathedral. Clergy are invited to vest and process in red stoles.

Please contact Canon Kristin White with questions.
Toward Beloved Community: Knowing our Stories
EWM Spring Gathering on April 23
On April 23, Episcopal Women's Ministries will host its spring gathering, Toward Beloved Community: Knowing our Stories. The gathering is free to attend, and will be held online from 2 p.m. Eastern/3 p.m. Central to 4 p.m. Eastern/3 p.m. Central.

The Rev. Jackie Means will share the story of her call to the priesthood and the challenges she faced as the first regularly ordained woman priest in the Episcopal Church. Lee Little, the historiographer of the diocese, will discuss the importance of uncovering and remembering stories. There will be time for small group discussion.

Big Provincial Gathering April 29-30
Registration Open
The second Big Provincial Gathering (BPG) will take place April 29-30 in South Bend. The event includes time with the keynote speaker, the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, president of the House of Deputies; as well as workshops, table conversations, and more. Trainings will also be offered on April 28. 

Among the workshops is a Friday mid-day session on establishing and improving congregational archives led by a panel that includes Diocese of Indianapolis Historiographer Lee LittleLearn more.

The provincial synod, at which elected synod deputies will conduct their business, will also take place during the BPG. Proof of vaccination and masks will be required.

More information is available online. Registration is required.
Neighborhood Economics:
Catalytic Capital at a Local Level
From May 3-6, the Diocese of Indianapolis will host Neighborhood Economics: Catalytic Capital at a Local Level. Neighborhood Economics is a gathering focused on how individuals and institutions can invest locally to address economic injustice across race, class, and neighborhoods. Participants come from across the country, but the event will focus on the economic challenges of Indianapolis. Trinity Church Wall Street is a major sponsor of the event.

Registration is by invitation only. If you would like to have a conversation about participating, contact Brendan O'Sullivan-Hale.

Learn more online.
Save the Date: Presiding Bishop Visits June 3-5
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will visit the Diocese of Indianapolis from June 3-5. Watch future issues of the newsletter for a schedule of events and activities planned during his visit.
Save the Date: Financial Leadership Workshop June 18
On June 18, the Diocese of Indianapolis will hold a workshop on financial leadership. Look for more information in coming newsletters.
Reminders
New Episode of "Spade, Spoon, Soul" Available
"Spade, Spoon, Soul," an Episcopal Church podcast dedicated to the intersections of food and faith, is available online. Bishop Jennifer is one of the co-hosts.
COVID-19 Vaccinations in Indiana
The state vaccine system is available to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments for children ages 5 to 11 and booster shots.

Learn more at ourshot.in.gov, or call 211 (866-211-9966.) Walk-in appointments are also accepted at most vaccination sites.
CDC Guidelines
advise fully-vaccinated people to wear masks in public, indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission

Read a summary of the updates and check the level of transmission for any county on the CDC website.

As a reminder, Bishop Jennifer recommends that congregational regathering teams continue to meet regularly, monitor local conditions, and make changes when necessary. Read more.
Pay Pledges Online
Bishop's Office Will Process Online Gifts at No Cost
Although many congregations are now meeting in person, the bishop's office will continue to process online gifts on behalf of congregations, and will absorb all payment processing fees.

Use this link to make contributions or pledge payments to any congregation, and please share this news widely on your congregation's social media channels and during online worship.
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
April 10: St. Mark’s, Plainfield | The Rev. Kirsteen Wilkinson

April 17: Postulants and Candidates for Holy Orders including transitional deacons the Rev. Jason Fortner, the Rev. Joél Mun͂oz, and Candidate for Holy Orders Ms. Yuri Rodriguez

In April, pray for the work being accomplished by the United Thank Offering

About the Leadership Newsletter
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