March 23, 2022
News
Indiana Bishops Oppose Permitless Carry
On March 21, Governor Holcomb signed into law House Bill 1296, which eliminates the need for citizens of Indiana to obtain a license in order to carry a handgun. Last week, Bishop Jennifer and Bishop Doug Sparks of Northern Indiana sent a letter to Governor Holcomb asking him to veto the measure:

"Indiana’s rate of gun deaths increased 30 percent from 2010 to 2019, compared to a 17 percent increase nationwide, according to data gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rate of gun suicides increased 19 percent during that same period, compared to a 13 percent increase nationwide, and the rate of gun homicides increased by an alarming 57 percent compared to a 26 percent increase nationwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, gun violence continued surging: 2021 was Indianapolis’s deadliest year yet.

"This escalating violence takes a particular toll on our most vulnerable communities. Gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and teens in our state. It wreaks vastly disproportionate devastation on communities of color, and during the pandemic, it posed a singular danger to domestic violence victims who were not able to flee their gun-owning abusers, and to people struggling with mental health issues."
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.

New Faithful Innovation Learning Communities Cohort Begins March 29
A new cohort of Faithful Innovation Learning Communities, a three-month program for congregations that want to identify where God is at work in their neighborhoods, will begin on March 29. The program is open to all congregations, but it is especially appropriate as a follow-up for churches who have completed the Church Buildings in Collaborative Partnerships project.

Participating congregations will gather 3 to 5 people plus a clergy leader on a series of Zoom sessions to learn how to get to know their surroundings better so that they can effectively connect with their neighbors and practice discernment and innovation.

The program is free of charge and open to any congregation in the Dioceses of Indianapolis and Northern Indiana. Registration is required.
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.

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
Lenten Quiet Day with the Poetry of Mary Oliver
Hosted by Trinity, Indianapolis
On March 26, Trinity, Indianapolis will host an in-person Lenten Quiet Day focused on the poetry of Mary Oliver. Participants will participate in Lectio Divina, walk the labyrinth, journal, and practice contemplative prayer in preparation for Holy Week.

The day will begin with devotions at 9 a.m. Eastern/8 a.m. Central and will conclude at 12 pm.m Eastern/11 a.m. Central. 
Clergy Renewal of Vows and Blessing of Chrism
Registration Open
The renewal of vows for clergy and blessing of chrism will take place on April 12 at 1 p.m. Eastern/12 p.m. Central. Clergy are invited to vest and process in red stoles. There will be a luncheon following the service and clergy are welcome to bring their spouses.

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 Little. Learn 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.
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.
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
March 27: Good Samaritan, Brownsburg | The Rev. Beth Scriven

In March, pray for the Commission on Ministry of the Diocese.

April 3: St. John’s, Lafayette | The Rev. Dr. Bradley Pace; the Rev. Gretchen Freese; the Rev. Andrea Arsene

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