The diocesan office is closed the following dates.

• December 24, 2025 through January 4, 2026 for Christmas/New Years
• January 12 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

The January rings in the season of Annual Meetings and Annual Reports, including the four reports due to the diocese and wider church each year. Links to each individual report, along with helpful tips, are available on our website on the Annual Reports page. The first deadline is February 1, 2026. Don't miss it if you'd like a chance to be entered into our $2,500 lottery drawing. A direct email reminder will be sent to parochial clergy, administrators, senior wardens, and treasurers on January 5th. Please reach out to Missioner Michelle with any questions.

The work of the Reunification Discernment Committee has concluded so what comes next? All laity are invited to participate in one of three Zoom sessions to be held in January where we'll consider the following four questions.

• What have we learned about ourselves in the course of this reunification discernment process?
• How might that learning inform our life and work together moving forward?
• What initiatives have we put on hold or newly discovered during this reunification discernment process that we hope to pick up now?
• How do we want to collaborate with the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis moving forward?

Please join us and share your insights. Register below for one of the Zoom sessions.

Jr./Sr. High Winter Youth Retreat

When: Friday, January 16 at 7 p.m. through Sunday, January 18 at11 a.m. (EST)

Where: Wawasee Episcopal Center (Syracuse)

Who: 6th-12th grade youth

Cost: $25 per person

The Winter Youth Retreat for the Diocese of Northern Indiana is for all youth in the diocese in 6th – 12th grade. Please click on the link and fill out the registration and continue with the medical forms signed by parents. Any questions or special instructions can be sent to cjbianchini@comcast.net. Please bring your $25 fee to the retreat and give it to Carol at check in. We have a limited number of spaces available so we will go on first come first serve. 

You will need to bring:

• modest pajamas
• casual clothing for Saturday
• something to wear to church on Sunday
• warm clothing if you would like to go outside during free time.
• Toiletries, towel and wash cloth
• sleeping bag 
• pillow
• a snack to share

Save the Dates

Jr./Sr. High Spring Youth Retreat

Date: April 10-12, 2026

Episcopal Youth Camp

Date: June 14-20, 2026

Where: Camp Alexander Mack (Milford, Ind.)

Sr. High Mission Week

Date: July 12-18, 2026

Jr./Sr. High Fall Youth Retreat

Date: October 23-25, 2026

Faith in the Face of Fear

Date: January 8, 2026

Many people of faith feel politically invisible--as if people of faith all think the same way. Fear and extremism dominate public conversation, while compassion, courage, and dialogue are drowned out. Indiana Faith Voices for Justice is a growing multi-faith, multi-racial movement that affirms Democracy, not theocracy. Freedom, not extremism. Education, not indoctrination. Contact Dean Brian Grantz for additional information.

Rally: 10-11:30 a.m.(EST), Free and open to all

Where: Indiana State House

Rally at the Statehouse with interfaith prayers and speakers. We bring together diverse faith communities to stand for democracy, compassion, and truth — because faith and freedom belong to everyone.

Educational Sessions: 1-3:45 p.m. (EST) - Suggested $25 donation

Where: The Hilton Hotel, 120 W. Market Street (Indianapolis)

Then join us across the street at the Hilton for Advocacy training and education sessions with topics that include the Indiana Political Landscape, Power Mapping, and the fundamental skills to organizing, understanding self-interest, and doing 1:1 conversations.

Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Community at Miami Correctional Facility

Date: January 26

Time: 2 p.m. (EST)

Where: First Presbyterian Church (Peru)

The next prayer vigil at the Miami Correctional Facility is scheduled for Monday, January 26 at 2 p.m. (EST). It will be held at First Presbyterian Church located at 102 W. Main St. in Peru.

Bishop's Discretionary Fund - Immigration

Recent developments in the Federal Government’s approach to immigration, including the withdrawal of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from various countries, are affecting the lives of several members of our faith communities. In light of these developments, some of you have asked for us to create a fund through which you might contribute to the legal expenses incurred by those members as they file for different documentation in order to remain in compliance with the law. We have decided that the best way to do so is through the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund, to which anyone interested may contribute by sending a check to the Diocese with Bishop’s Discretionary Fund—Immigration in the memo line.

The EDNIN School for Faith and Ministry (ESFM) offers monthly classes to a blend of in-person and online students. Gathering in person one Saturday a month, mostly at the Wawasee Retreat Center in Syracuse, this semester of ESFM will offer courses on academic topics in Theological and Liturgical Studies. The materials have been created by the Iona Collaborative at Seminary of the Southwest and classes will be led by local facilitators. Whether you are a lay person pursuing spiritual and intellectual enrichment, someone engaged in the process for ordination, or an ordained person seeking to continue your education, you are welcome to become a part of ESFM!  

New this semester is training in Bible Study Facilitation. If you have ever wanted to gather a group for Bible study at church, in your home, at a coffee shop, or in some other ministry setting, this training may be for you! We will address topics like considering your context, choosing among various reflection methods, group formation, sustaining the facilitator, and more. Both in-person and Zoom participation is welcome.

Also new this semester will be a series of “Pre-Curricular Studies” for students starting their postulancy for the diaconate. These three courses will focus on equipping students to identify and address their individual learning challenges as they take on the rigors of academic formation for ministry. Because of the sensitive nature of this work, all classes will be in-person.

ESFM dates for the second semester will be: Mar 7, Apr 18, May 9, Jun 6, and July 25. The first three sessions will be held at the Wawasee Episcopal Center in Syracuse, IN and the last two at the Cathedral of St. James in South Bend, IN. There will be two classes running at the same time in each of three slots:

10:00 am – 12:00 pm  

A—Pre-Curricular Studies—Spirituality and Scripture. ($250)

B—Theological Studies II ($250)

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

A—Pre-Curricular Studies—Learning Challenges ($250)

B—Liturgical Studies II—the Pastoral Offices ($250)

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

A— Pre-Curricular Studies—Mobilizing your Strengths ($250)

B—Bible Study Facilitation ($250)

For each session, participants will read assigned texts and watch video lectures beforehand. They then will come together at Wawasee (or the Cathedral) for facilitated discussion and other activities aimed at engaging the material more deeply. Afterwards, a written assignment will help learning take root and grow. Those completing the five sessions and their related assignments will receive a certificate of participation.

Register by February 20 so that you may receive log in credentials in time to prepare for the first class. Some financial assistance is available.

Save the Dates



Spring Clergy Conference

Date: May 11-13, 2026

Where: Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center

Fall Clergy Retreat

Date: October 12-14, 2026

Where: Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center

Happy Epiphany from CBCP! As we celebrate Jesus as the light of the world, the Church Buildings for Collaborative Partnerships project invites you to tell us your stories about how your congregation is reflecting Christ’s light through creative uses of your property (as we hope you’ve read about others on our website blog). To share your story, just send an email to CBCP Project Director Linda Buskirk with a brief explanation and a photo or two. Linda will then interview you and write a draft for your review before the story is posted. Linda’s email: Info@cbcpindiana.org We hope to hear from you soon!

 Information provided by Linda Buskirk, CBCP Project Director.  

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.

As The Episcopal Church continues to expand its mission service opportunities for young leaders, applications are open for those ages 21-35 interested in a transformative outreach experience during 2026-2027. The priority deadline for U.S-based placements is Jan. 16.

The Episcopal Service Corps (ESC) is offering six domestic programs that include residential and nonresidential experiences, as well as a summer farming opportunity ideal for college and graduate students ages 18-26. The Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) offers international options.

For more than two decades, ESC and YASC have offered young adults spiritual growth opportunities while serving diverse communities. In 2025-2026, the two programs are engaged in a collaborative pilot to explore and expand unique options for ministry and growth. This includes ESC alumni moving into a second year of service with YASC internationally.

Episcopal Service Corps members receive health coverage, stipends, and housing for residential programs. Applications are being accepted for the following programs (learn more online):

• The Commonage, London, Ohio
• Jubilee Year, Los Angeles, California
• Lawrence House, South Hadley, Massachusetts
• The Mustard Seed Project, Boston, Massachusetts
• Servant Year, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Young adults accepted into ESC and YASC commit to a year of transforming themselves and the communities around them through practice and prayer. Participants learn about issues of justice as well as spiritual practices such as meditation and spiritual direction.

Many ESC and YASC alumni move into positions of leadership within their churches and other organizations that serve the common good. Meet some ESC alumni.

Interested young adults are encouraged to apply soon for ESC placements and to watch for new international service opportunities coming soon.

Learn more—and take a discernment quiz—at the ESC website.

Information provided by The Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs

Click here to read the Province V newsletter for January 2026.

Building an Inclusive Church Toolkit

Date: Feb. 8, 15, 22; Mar. 1, 8, 15, 2026

Time: 5-6:30 p.m. (EST)

Where: Zoom

The Building an Inclusive Church Toolkit is a step-by-step guide to help facilitate a welcoming journey in faith communities working on extending a specific welcome to people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. A team from ReconcilingWorks will lead a course to give you tools to share this resource with your worshipping community.  

The toolkit is available as a pdf. Province V will provide a color-printed copy of the toolkit for each person registered.

Registration is required. Attend as many sessions as you can.

Registration link if the above doesn't work: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ew0-JwsqT7WCt4PknNKjVQ

Big Provincial Gathering 2026

Date: July 31-August 1, 2026

Where: St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Kalamazoo, MI)

Province V will be hosting the fourth Big Provincial Gathering in the summer of 2026. Planning is underway. There will be information about leading workshops, participating in pre-event trainings, sponsorship, and exhibitors. If you're curious about any of those, please contact Heather Barta. Additional information will be shared in upcoming newsletters and on the Province V website!

Call for Workshops

The Big Provincial Gathering will be full of workshops offered "ministry fair" style. Do you have something to share with others? Are you particularly proud of a project you did or a ministry you support? Start thinking about if you'd like to host a workshop. All information about workshops will be needed by February 1, 2026. See all of the details and fill out the form! Make sure to check out the workshop webinar below!

Provincial Youth Event

There will be a Provincial Youth Event offered as part of the BPG. There will be some time that youth will have dedicated programming and then time that all are gathered together.