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Highlights:
- Opening Prayer
- Campus Ministry Developer
- Young Adult / Campus Ministry retreat
- Trafficking: Faithful Response and Support Training
- Engaging Gender Complexity
- Migration with Dignity
- Religious Life Sunday
- Gender Justice Webinar
- Book Discussion
- Winter Talk Conference
- Forma Conference
- Living Compass Retreat
- The Brood
- Book Corner
- Using Picture Books for Racial Healing
- Center for Spirituality in Nature
- Episcopal Parish Network
- Clergy Retreat
- Soul Shop
- Sketchy Friends Retreat
- Networking Conversations
- Affiliated Organizations
- Upcoming Events and Webinars
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Opening Prayer
Epiphany is January 6.
May We Follow Stars
“O God Among Us, may we be visited by angels, may we follow stars, may we bring the gifts we have to offer. May we embrace the journey and travel in love. May Christ bless our homes and find a home in our hearts throughout the year. Amen.”
“What Does This Season Mean? Handout for Epiphany at Home” by Jennifer McNally and Anna V. Ostenso Moore
found on Building Faith
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What Are You Missing?
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Featured Articles and Events | |
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Fill out the contact form to get connected to Eric.
Download and share the full press release!
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A note from the Campus Ministry Developer
I am extremely humbled and thankful for the opportunity to serve the church in this capacity. I deeply believe there are many gifts and experiences inside the Episcopal Church that helpfully form us to encounter Christ as we come alongside college students in a ministry marked by hospitality, solidarity, and mutuality.
I look forward to connecting with many different worshiping communities around Province V in the coming months as I learn more about how God is already at work in your midst. These conversations will help us discern how Christ is calling you to lovingly engage the institutions of higher education in your particular ministry context and begin taking practical steps to build or deepen your relationships there.
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Midwinter Student / Young Adult Retreat
February 7-9, 2025
Chicago, IL
Open to students in higher education and young adults
Registration
Friday, Feb 7:
4 pm - Arrive at the HI Chicago Hostel (24 E Ida B. Wells Drive) and check in any time after 4pm.
6:30 pm- Program Begins - Snacks, fellowship, and music in the Nichols Room.
Sunday, Feb 9:
12 noon-ish - end after Eucharist on Sunday Morning
Packing lists and further information will be announced as we get closer.
This location is in the Central Time Zone
Questions or want to help with planning? Contact Ben Adams
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Trafficking: Faithful Response and Support
Join this online course to learn how to recognize human trafficking and support those reentering our community after human exploitation. This 90 minute course will introduce participants to the basics of trafficking, how to respond when trafficking is suspected, and how their community can help those on their journey from surviving to thriving.
There are 5 different times to choose from! Choose any of the following dates to participate in this course:
Monday, Jan 13, 2025, 7-8:30 pm ET / 6-7:30 pm CT
Registration link
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025, 7:30-9 pm ET / 6:30- 8 pm CT
Registration link
Wed, Feb 5, 7-8:30 pm ET / 6-7:30 pm CT
Registration link
Tues, Feb 18, 7:30-9 pm ET / 6:30- 8 pm CT
Registration link
Thurs, Feb. 27, 7-8:30 pm ET / 6-7:30 pm CT
Registration link
This course is a partnership between Province V and Total Life Wellness. Funding provided by a Becoming Beloved Community Grant from The Episcopal Church.
For more information and resources, visit the Anti-Human Trafficking webpage.
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Calling for Facilitators for
Engaging Gender Complexity
Province V is accepting applications for “Engaging Gender Complexity” (EGC) Facilitators.
EGC is a new ministry created to structure an organized, on-going initiative to educate communities about Gender Complexity. Individuals and communities who are welcoming prevent isolation, violence, and death based on the misunderstanding of and prejudice against the gender-diverse. This project hires facilitators and coaches to support communities engaging in the life-changing and potentially life-saving work of understanding gender complexity.
Facilitators will develop the skills to support individuals and communities who want to create welcoming spaces for all people around gender diversity.
- Each facilitator will be granted a scholarship to attend two courses through Bexley-Seabury Seminary’s Pathways for Baptismal Living. Through those courses, facilitators will gain the knowledge and skills needed to lead conversations in their local ministry contexts.
- Courses will be held on the following Sundays: Mar 2/9/16/23/30, April 6/13/27, May 4/11/18, June 8. (5-6:30 pm ET / 4-5:30 pm CT)
- After the initial coursework, facilitators will be supported in small groups, led by a trained coach. During these sessions, facilitators will create opportunities for engaging their local, worshiping communities across Province V, hosting conversations and sharing resources. A stipend will be paid in two phases: after the planning phase and after the program phase. Registrations for courses is valued at $400. Cash stipend for the full program is $1400.
Province V will be hiring up to 18 facilitators for this work. This grant-funded position is accepting applications through Feb 5, 2025. We encourage both cis-people and people who are gender diverse to apply.
See more details and the application.
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Migration with Dignity Action Week / Sunday
Perhaps you saw the announcement / letter in previous newsletters.
The caucus now urges you to turn your words into action by joining us, along with your congregation/ diocese/ province/ organization, in observing Migration with Dignity Action Week, culminating in the first annual Migration with Dignity Sunday, during the season of Epiphany this year. The action week officially starts on January 20 (also Inauguration and MLK Day) and culminates on Sunday, January 26. Many churches will be observing MWD Sunday on January 26, but if that's inconvenient, feel free to choose any Sunday during Epiphany (through March 2).
Please click here to request an online packet of materials to help you participate.* If you do, on Monday, January 6, we will email you a link and/or attachments to:
Liturgical materials - relevant Collects, Prayers of the People, sermon notes, and music suggestions. The assigned Lectionary readings will be used; they are especially resonant on Sunday, Jan. 26.
MWD information - a one-page description of the church's stance on Migration with Dignity, along with talking points about the Migration with Dignity Resolution adopted last summer at General Convention,
An action toolkit with ideas and resources for a variety of advocacy and educational opportunities to uplift and enact Migration with Dignity principles.
While we do not know for sure what will unfold in late January and the coming years, we know that a “wait and see” approach will unnecessarily imperil beloved children of God. Together, we can begin taking meaningful action now to save lives, keep families together, welcome newcomers, and build resilient communities.
We also want to bring to your attention an upcoming family preparedness webinar offered by the Washington National Cathedral and Episcopal Migration Ministries on January 8, 1-2:30pm ET. Register here and please share the event widely!
Please click on the resource request link above to join and grow this grassroots movement within our church. As Epiphany approaches, we summon all Episcopalians to stand in solidarity with forced migrants in honor of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, who depended on the care and protection of neighbors in their perilous journey.
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Religious Life Sunday
What is Religious Life Sunday?
The General Convention of The Episcopal Church approved resolution 2022-B004, “Foundation of Religious Life Sunday,” to be held each year on the 3rd Sunday of Epiphany. This observance focuses our efforts to tell all Episcopalians and Anglicans about our monastic and Christian Communities and what we offer the church.
Are you longing for spiritual companionship and for resources to help on your spiritual journey? Are you seeking to deepen your relationship with God and to center your life on Christ?
We believe that religious life has something to offer everyone!
As monks and nuns, sisters and brothers in religious life, we are trained and formed by traditions and practices that foster spiritual growth and discernment. The communities that we build among ourselves spill over in love as we offer hospitality to all in Christ's name. We teach about prayer, lead retreats, give spiritual direction, give guidance in writing and living a rule of life, make presentations about the spiritual journey, and provide spiritual friendship. We are also eager to welcome new members to enter into our life and to carry forward our ministries and traditions.
Visit the website to learn more.
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Gender Justice Webinar
‘Defending the Dignity of Trans and
Non-Binary People in 2025 and Beyond’
Monday, Jan. 13
7-9:30 p.m. ET
Episcopalians and all others interested in justice for women, LGBTQ+ justice, and social justice are invited to join this webinar to learn from gender justice leaders within and beyond The Episcopal Church about the current legislative terrain in the U.S. impacting these areas and the work that can be done to uphold the dignity of all God’s children.
Learn more and register online.
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Book Discussion
Province I's Indigenous People's Justice Network
January 15, 2025
The Province 1 Indigenous People's Justice Network's next book discussion will be on January 15, from 7:00-8:30 p.m ET / 6-7:30 pm CT
The book to be discussed is The Land is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery by Sarah Augustine. Register for the discussion using the link below:
Register for 1/15 Book Group
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Winter Talk Conference 2025
Jan. 18-20
Seminole, Oklahoma
Mark your calendar to virtually join this annual conference that honors and highlights Indigenous and Native American traditions and contributions within The Episcopal Church.
- Winter Talk includes special greetings and speakers, music, presentations, panel discussions, and more.
- The 2025 theme is “Coming to Center: Wholeness, Healing, and Right Relationship.”
- A registration link for virtual attendance will be available soon.
Questions? Contact the Rev. Bradley Hauff, Indigenous missioner
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Forma Conference
January 27-30, 2025
Waycross Camp and Conference Center
The theme for Forma Annual Conference is "Come Away Together" which comes from Mark 6:31-32: "‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ Plenaries will explore themes of rest, retreat, and Sabbath. Join us January 27-30, 2025 at Waycross Camp!
Click here to register for this on-site event!
You can also review other on-site locations.
Visit the website to learn more about hosting an on-site event or participating via the virtual event.
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Living Compass Retreat
February 14-16, 2025
Waycross Camp and Conference Center
We are excited to partner with Living Compass and the Diocese of Indianapolis to offer this incredible retreat. We’ll engage in activities and conversations about individual wholeness and wellness as well as explore new ways our congregations can serve as places of health and wellness in our community contexts.
Registration information can be found here. Registration closes January 31st.
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The Brood: An Inclusive Ministry for Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Families
In October 2021, with the support of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, "The Brood" launched. The Brood is a community of joyful belonging for foster, adoptive, and kinship families. We meet in-person and online, and families from anywhere and everywhere are invited to join us for our virtual caregiver support groups, book groups, and spiritual retreats. To learn more, contact Rev. Olivia Hamilton at olivia@calvaryclifton.org or sign up for our newsletter here!
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Book Corner
A beautifully illustrated poetic rendering of the promise made at baptism, an ideal gift.
Millions of people are baptized every year, most as babies, in an important and joyous family ritual. Once children reach reading age, an understanding of the meaning of their baptism is an essential part of their formation and opens up their lives to the power of Christian community. With 22 colorful illustrations and a vibrant concise lyrical narrative, The Gift of Baptism is the perfect learning tool for children embarking on their journey of faith. Its poignant style teaches readers about the Baptismal Covenant and nurtures understanding of concepts like the Holy Trinity, Jesus’ teachings, and living with love at the forefront of your mind and in your actions.
A keepsake for the newly baptized, and equally valuable for any child embarking on their faith journey, this book is perfect for individuals and for enriching Sunday school and youth group discussions. Parents, grandparents, godparents, educators, and spiritual mentors will find it a cherished resource for helping children understand and embrace their baptismal calling. The heartwarming illustrations and wholesome narrative make it accessible and inviting for all.
Order from any Episcopal bookstore, Amazon, ChristianBook, or your favorite bookseller.
Hardcover | 9781640657540 | List Price: $17.95
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Using Picture Books for Racial Healing
Picture books offer an excellent way to discover, discuss, and share stories about topics that many people did not study in school but that are crucial to the work of repairing, healing, and seeing God in each other. Registration is open for Dismantling Racism training sessions taking place in the coming months. Miriam McKenney leads the trainings, which take place on Zoom.
All sessions in the same month make up a complete course, so you only need to sign up for one month.
Email the Diocese of Southern Ohio's Missioner for Beloved Community, Miriam McKenney, to learn more.
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Monday Meditations
Jan 13, 2025
12pm - 1pm ET
Join us online on the second Monday of each month for a communal nature-based meditation and reflection, to help us center, reorient, and connect deeply with each other and all the sacred living world. Admission is free! Donations always welcome.
Registration is required
Self-Guided Programs
Ring in the new year with a self-paced spirituality in nature program to deepen your practice.
Our video courses, downloadable guides, and books are filled with ideas and curricula for spiritual practice in nature.
See more.
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Upcoming
Workshops
To see more information or register, visit the page with the full list of workshops.
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One Anothering in Political Turbulence 1/13 3:00pm ET - Registration
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Church Security: The Funding Is Out There - How to Find it and Use it Effectively 1/14 3:00pm ET - Registration
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Faith Podcasting: Reaching the Seeker 1/15 3:00pm ET - Registration
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Clergy Contemplative Renewal Immersions
The application window for the Contemplative Renewal Immersions at Holy Wisdom Monastery is open through January 31, 2025. This is an opportunity to journey as part of a cohort of pastors from across the country and multiple Christian traditions for two years of contemplative practice and renewal. The journey begins with two immersions at Holy Wisdom Monastery, an ecumenical Benedictine monastery nestled in 140 acres of restored prairie on the north edge of Madison, Wisconsin. The summer immersion will be held June 23-30, 2025. This will be followed by a winter immersion January 22-28, 2026 and small group online gatherings running through the summer of 2027. This program offers early and mid-career clergy the opportunity to nourish their spiritual center by developing life-long, covenantal relationships between clergy peers. It also supports clergy by developing their own spiritual practices and resilience.
Deadline to apply is January 31, 2025.
To learn more and apply, please go to: https://holywisdommonastery.org/eccsr/contemplative-renewal-immersions/
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Sketchy Friends Retreat
DeKoven Center’s Sketchy Friends Retreat is a wintertime sketch event, offering you a cozy place to be with your sketch friends for a 3-night stay, 4 classes and 6 fun and unique sketch opportunities! Your instructors will be Patti Fallon (Sketching with Paint Markers), Kris Von Stockum (Mixing Up the Composition), and Rachael Pasch Grossman (Sketching with Gouache). We will be learning new techniques and visiting local iconic restaurants to practice … including the famous Well’s Bros Pizzeria and Hob Nob Supper Club.
Beautiful and historic Taylor Hall, provides class space, lodging and dining facilities, ample parking, elevator access and complimentary WiFi. We are located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the Southside Historic District of Racine, WI.
Our guest rooms offer unique charm with a comfortable and restful atmosphere. Shared bathrooms offer privacy stalls. Our meals will be shared in our beautiful dining room. We will develop a meal plan to accommodate food allergies and special diets including vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options.
For more information and to register, please visit the link below:
https://www.dekovencenter.org/sketchy-friends-2025
Thenk you to DeKoven, who was a sponsor of BPG 2024!
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To get a reminder for any of these events, reply to this email. A special reminder is sent for each network.
ALL are welcome to attend these Zoom conversations. Please share the information with friends, colleagues, and in your parish newsletter. Most network meetings last about 60 minutes. See their webpages or email their contact for more information. For a full list of Networks and other Affiliated Organizations, visit the Province V website.
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Archivists
Date of next meeting:
Mar 10, 11 am ET / 10 am CT
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89950734030 (password: 5)
Convener: Brian Wilbert, Ohio
webpage: https://www.provincev.org/archivist.html
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Creation Care
Date of next meeting:
Jan 13, 1 pm ET / 12 noon CT
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82932843412
(password: 5)
Convener: Jeanette Ettin, Eastern Michigan
webpage: https://www.provincev.org/creation.html
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Innovation Catalysts
webpage
"Innovation Catalyst" is a title that we invented to try to encompass the work that a variety of people are doing. We are connecting leaders who are the ones spearheading adventure, failing faster, and trying new things in a variety of ministry contexts.
If you are the contact from your diocese who should be in these conversation, contact Heather Barta for the meeting information.
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Lay-Led Congregations
Date of next meeting:
Jan 18, 11 am ET / 10 am CT
Please join us as we review and identify resources helpful for lay-led congregations.
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81619667819
(password: 5)
Convener: Jim Mogensen, Michigan
webpage:
https://www.provincev.org/layledcongregations.html
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Safe Church
webpage
Use this page to get connected to your diocesan contact for Safe Church training and information.
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Young Adult / Campus Ministry
SPECIAL DATE: Meet the new Campus Ministry Developer
Date of next meeting:
Jan 14, 11 am ET / 10 am CT
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88386235160
(password 5)
Convener: Matthew Lukens, Michigan
webpage:
https://www.provincev.org/yacm.html
Campus Ministers meet the new Campus Ministry Developer on Jan 14!
Young Adult and Student event!
Feb. 7-9, 2025
Chicago
Registration is open
If this is your ministry area, make sure that you're part of the Google Group!
province-v-yacm@googlegroups.com
This is a new group name, so please update in your address book.
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Dismantling Racism
Note Date!
Date of next meeting:
Jan 9, 1 pm ET / 12 noon CT
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83673680882
(password: 5)
webpage:
https://www.provincev.org/dismantlingracism
The Episcopal Church offered its first Summit on Truth-telling and Reparations on September 19-21, 2024. Sponsored by the church’s Office of African Descent Ministries and the Department of Reconciliation, Justice, and Creation Care, 100 Episcopal leaders from across the country, both lay and ordained, who are engaged in reparations and truth-telling ministries, gathered at Virginia Theological Seminary to share resources, wisdom, strategy, best practices, prayer, and encouragement with one another.
The Rev. Sister Veronica Dunbar (“Sister Vee”), Missioner for Spirituality and Race in the Diocese of Michigan, and Debbie Likins-Fowler, representing the Commission for Racial Justice from the Diocese of Ohio, attended the Summit from Province V. Hear some of the takeaways, find out about shared resources, and learn about future gatherings from Debbie and Sister Vee at this month's meeting.
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Migration Ministries
Date of next meeting:
Jan 21, 8 pm ET / 7 pm C
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81246380265
(password: 5)
Conveners: Silvia Huth, Michigan and
Jack Lloyd, Chicago
webpage: https://www.provincev.org/migration.html
Read the full Migration with Dignity article, which includes many helpful steps for you to take in your ministry context and local community. Join us for a conversation in January!
Episcopal Migration Response Network
Episcopal Migration Ministry hosts an Asylum and Detention Ministry Network that meets virtually on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The Ministry Network’s collaborative work and conversation focus on best practice-sharing in areas of direct service, organizing, advocacy actions, Christian formation and worship resources, and community education to protect asylum, promote humane and dignified alternatives to detention, and to support asylum seekers and those harmed by the immigration detention system. Learn more and register to attend meetings here.
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Youth and Children
Convener: Carmen Piggins, Michigan
webpage:
https://www.provincev.org/youth.html
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87530910317 (password: 5)
Join into conversations with others!
ALL Youth and Children Ministers
Jan 16, 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT
This is the first of these gatherings! If your ministry leads you to working with children and youth, we welcome you! You might be lay or ordained, volunteer or paid, in a parish, community setting, connected with a camp, or diocesan staff. We look forward to this time together!
Diocesan Youth Workers
If you are the youth minister for your diocese (or the main contact for youth work in your diocese), you are invited to join this conversation. Contact Carmen Piggins for the dates and details.
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There are a number of organizations affiliated with the Episcopal Church and working across Province V. These groups have a "structure" that is more organized than a network. They have resources and information that are useful in your local ministry contexts.
For a full list of Affiliated Organizations, visit the Province V website.
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United Thank Offering
Download all of the details!
Find information about the Christmas resources here.
Order your UTO Lenten materials by Jan 8.
Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 9a-11a Eastern Time: Final Open Office Hours
You can find the link to register along with all of the dates and times for open office hours on the helpful hints page.
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Plainsong Farm and Episcopal Service Corps announcement
Plainsong Farm in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is cultivating a place where people are needed and belong - a place where people use their bodies to tend the land, nourish their neighbors, and ground themselves in hope and life-giving rhythms.
Plainsong’s Residential Fellowship invites young adults, ages 21 to 32, to live into rhythms of tending, nourishing, and grounding. The fellowship offers immersive experiences and education in small-scale regenerative agriculture, spiritual practice, and communal living. Plainsong Farm is an ecumenical ministry whose fellowship is a part of the Episcopal Service Corps program. Applicants from all denominations, traditions, and levels of faith commitment are welcome. Apply for Plainsong's 2025 fellowship (January 19 - October 31) via the Episcopal Service Corps Common Application. https://episcopalservicecorps.org
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Young Adult Service Corps
Seeking Episcopalians ages 21 to 35 interested in international mission engagement, the church’s Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) is accepting applications for 2025 placements. The deadline to apply online is Jan. 31.
For more than two decades, YASC participants have served in areas of administration/communication, agriculture, community development, education, health care, parish ministry/chaplaincy, social services, youth work, and more, while participating in the daily life and ministry of churches, cathedrals, and dioceses around the Anglican Communion. Learn more in this new “Discover YASC” video.
Read the full press release.
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Financial Assistance for Episcopal Deacons
The Fund for the Diaconate provides vital financial assistance to deacons, and those in diaconal formation, who have insufficient funds for their needs. Grants are available for ongoing support, declared emergencies, medical expenses, and diaconal formation. Visit www.fundfordiaconate.org/apply-for-aid for details and to apply.
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After an extensive nationwide executive search, the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) Board of Directors unanimously voted to appoint Dail St. Claire as ECF’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are thrilled to welcome Dail St. Claire as ECF’s new President and CEO,” said Todd Anderson, Chair of ECF’s Board of Directors. “Dail’s vision, expertise, and deep commitment to The Episcopal Church’s mission, as well as her familiarity with ECF’s history and journey, positions her to lead us into the challenging next phase of our work with lay leaders and ministries. We also sincerely thank Donald Romanik for his exceptional leadership, dedication, and contributions to ECF over the past 19 years.”
Dail St. Claire, who has served ECF and its Endowment for over a decade as Board Director and Advisor, said, “It is a privilege to be ECF’s President and CEO. I look forward to building on our rich history of strengthening faith and transforming ministries, working with our dedicated staff and board, lay leadership, clergy, dioceses, and partners navigating this time of change and healing in our faith communities and nation.” Read more here: https://www.ecf.org/about/news/389/the-episcopal-church-foundation-announces-dail-st-claire-as-new-president-and-chief-executive-officer
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Upcoming Events and Webinars | |
Province V Executive Board | |
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Do you have questions about Province V? Would you like to be more involved in planning the events that are offered at the provincial level? The Executive Board of the Province meets monthly on fourth Tuesdays at 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT via zoom.
Contact your diocesan representative to the Executive Board:
Mr. Rick Stanitis, Northern Michigan, President
The Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter, Wisconsin, Vice President
The Rev. Garron Daniels, Springfield, Secretary
Ms. Rebecca Elfring-Roberts, Chicago, Treasurer
Ms. Louisa McKellaston, Executive Council Representative
The Rev. M.E. Eccles, Executive Council Representative
Ms. Laura Jackson, Chicago
Dr. Elizabeth Jordan, Great Lakes
Ms. Lesley MacKellar, Indianapolis
Mr. Luke Thompson, Michigan
Ms. Betty Bowersox, Missouri
The Rev. Dr. Terri Bays, Northern Indiana
The Rev. Steve Godfrey, Northern Michigan
The Rev. Rachel Harrison, Ohio
Mr. Edward Lasseigne, Southern Ohio
Ms. Carol McCrary, Springfield
The Rev. Marlene Hogue, Wisconsin
Heather Barta, Province V Coordinator
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