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Highlights:
- Opening Prayer
- Call for workshops!
- Sponsor the BPG!
- Big Provincial Gathering 2026
- Trafficking: Faithful Response and Support
- Retired / Retiring Clergy
- Building an Inclusive Church
- Migration with Dignity Sunday
- Coaching opportunity
- Episcopal PATH
- Creation & Racial Justice
- Creation Care Resources
- Spring Campus Ministry Cohort
- Young Adult / Campus Ministry Student Retreat
- YACM webinar
- Women Clergy Retreat
- Episcopal Podcasts
- Book Corner
- Creation Spirituality Event
- Lenten Resources
- Discover Living Stories Sermons
- Countering Christian Nationalism
- Immigration Update Calls
- Using Picture Books for Racial Healing
- Disarmory Ministries
- Kairos Center training
- Forma Conference
- Waycross Events
- Links to the Socials
- Networking Conversations
- Affiliated Organizations
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Opening Prayer
A Collective Resolution for the year of our Lord 2026
- Whereas we find ourselves in a time in which it is increasingly difficult to see the good in people, and
- Whereas people suck but are also unspeakably beautiful, and
- Whereas we all, for reasons of still having ice age brains, are more easily impacted by the negative than the positive even if the later far outnumbers the former, and
- Whereas we are exposed to content that rewards the loud, the divisive, and the alarming (even when those things may distort reality), and
- Whereas we live in an economy in which our attention is our currency, and
- Whereas we can no longer afford the cynicism about each other which keeps us numb and scrolling, and
- Whereas we are still hunter gatherers who need each other to survive,
Therefore,
Be it resolved that:
- We the people of 2026 will look for beauty.
- We will write down the good things about each other.
- We will call our friends just to tell them what we love about them.
- When it is we who suck, we will admit it and move on.
- We will refuse to be manipulated into believing that we do not need each other.
- We choose attention as an act of love—and of resistance.
Nadia Bolz-Weber
Jan 1, 2026
The Corners
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Happy New Year!
Remember to click "View Entire Message" at the bottom to see ALL of the details!
February newsletter date: Feb 5, 2026!
The Coordinator will be on vacation Jan 14-Feb 3. All messages will be delayed.
| | Featured Articles and Events | | |
Call for BPG 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? All information about workshops will be needed by February 15, 2026. See all of the details and fill out the form!
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Sponsor the Big Provincial Gathering!
This event is for ALL people - thus our goal is to make it affordable so that anyone might attend. To do this, we rely on sponsorships. Organizations and businesses interested in sharing their information with people across Province V are invited to sponsor this event!
Download the Sponsorship Chart that includes levels and details.
Contact Heather to commit or to ask questions.
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Big Provincial Gathering 2026
July 31 - August 1, 2026
Host: St. Luke's, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Province V will be hosting the fourth Big Provincial Gathering in the summer of 2026. Planning is underway. Basic information is already available about leading workshops, participating in pre-event trainings, sponsorship, and exhibitors. More detailed information will become available as planning for the BPG progresses further. If you're interested in any of this, please contact Heather AND check upcoming newsletters and this website.
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.
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Thank you to our sponsors!
Only with them is this event possible!
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Church Pension Group
Diamond Sponsor
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Episcopal Relief and Development
Gold Sponsor
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Episcopal Divinity School
Silver Sponsor
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Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
Bronze+ Sponsor
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Order of Christ our Saviour
Bronze Sponsor AND
"Everyone Needs a Little Jesus" sponsor - find yours at the BPG!
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Episcopal Preaching Foundation
Lanyard Sponsor
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Solar Faithful
Bronze Sponsor
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Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers
Snack Sponsor
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Bellwether Farm
Coffee / Tea Sponsor
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LAST CHANCE:
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.
Choose any of the following dates to participate in this course:
Jan 12, 2026, 7-8:30 pm ET / 6-7:30 pm CT. Registration
Feb 11, 2026, 7-8:30 pm ET / 6-7:30 pm CT. Registration
Note: These trainings are not recorded. Please attend when you are able to engage in the learning and information.
More information.
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New Network: Retired / Retiring Clergy
Date of FIRST meeting:
Jan 13, 2026, 10 am ET / 9 am CT
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84538273268
Convener: Nancy Foster (Great Lakes) and Percy Grant (Ohio)
webpage: https://www.provincev.org/retiredclergy.html
This is a network for retired clergy, a place to find others who have gone from a very active, creative and central role in the church, to a back pew. Your time is your own, so now what? This gathering provides a knowledgeable group to talk about how to deal with a spiritual life that does not involve preaching. It will help navigate supply asks, traveling on Sunday, and saying no. A place to be with others who have been in leadership in an ever changing church, but are now watching from the sidelines or perhaps not watching at all. This is being offered now because of the many people asking questions about making this transition. A team of coaches - one ordained and one lay - will ask questions to find creative ways to address the questions and concerns (no wandering into theological quagmires). Join together with other retired or retiring clergy for support and fun.
You may join in this network at any of their meetings without an RSVP. Reminders for each network are sent out a day or two ahead of time. If you'd like to be added to the list for this network, let Heather know.
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Building an Inclusive Church Toolkit
A 6-week Zoom training!
Feb 8, 15, 22, 2026 and Mar 1, 8, 15, 2026
5-6:30 pm ET / 4-5:30 pm CT
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 worshiping community.
The toolkit will be provided as a .pdf and 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.
Here is the registration link if the above doesn't work: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ew0-JwsqT7WCt4PknNKjVQ
More details and resources are on the Engaging Gender Complexity page.
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Migration with Dignity
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Jack Lloyd, Co-Convener, Province V Migration Ministries Network
The Episcopal Migration Caucus has designated February 8, 2026 as Migration with Dignity Sunday, while saying that, of course, it can also be observed on another Sunday in Epiphany if preferred. Migration with Dignity Sunday is an opportunity to learn and teach about the Migration with Dignity Principles and to include prayers for Migration with Dignity in worship. The Caucus has developed resources to help congregations plan liturgies, discussions, workshops, teach-ins, etc. for MWD Sunday.
Migration with Dignity is a paradigm-changing framework for discussing immigrant rights. The Migration with Dignity principles have deep resonance with scripture and Christian theology. Province V and several of our individual dioceses passed MWD resolutions in 2023-24 and The Episcopal Church adopted Migration with Dignity as a framework to guide all of its migration ministries at the 81st General Convention in 2024.
Read the full article from the Province V Migration Ministries Network.
Episcopal Migration Ministries resources
Episcopal Peace Fellowship resources.
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Leadership Coaching Project
Have a great idea, but not quite sure how to make it all come together? Talk with a coach to turn your half-baked idea into the best recipe ever!
Coaching is a dialogue between a coach and an individual, group, or team to find creative ways to solve challenging problems or improve team performance on key initiatives.
The coach's role is to draw out expertise through inquiry, curiosity, and challenges so that clients can stretch into their best selves.
Lay leaders, deacons, priests, and bishops are all invited to consider coaching. The focus on coaching will always be generated by the coachee; the coach is a partner who listens deeply and asks powerful questions to help the coachee set attainable and timely goals.
Learn More and Book a Coach.
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An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice
An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice is now available for parishes in Province 4 and 5 through this tool kit, which was developed with funding support from the Episcopal Church's Network for Creation Care and Environmental Racism. The Path combines leadership training for a core team of Companions with congregational development for parishes or Episcopal communities looking to deepen their engagement with Creation Justice. Whether your community is "all in" for creation or just getting started, the Path offers an opportunity to develop a comprehensive plan for beginning or deepening your green ministry.
There will be training opportunities for those interested in becoming a Companion (a coach who works with parishes) throughout the year and the program launches a new cohort of parishes each fall. Curious to know more? Here is an article about the Path from Episcopal News Services. And, you can visit episcopalcreationpath.org for more information as well.
If you'd like to attend a Companion Training, mark your calendar for Feb. 5, 6-8 pm.
If you are in Province V, David Laurance is the "local" contact for any questions that you might have.
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Reconsider the Lilies:
White Supremacy and Environmental Justice
Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026
6-7 pm ET / 5-6 pm CT
The environmental issues facing society are deeply connected with lasting problems of racism, colonialism, and white supremacy. To be faithful to its calling, the church needs to rethink its environmental theology and confront these problems directly. Join Episcopalians from across the country for an evening webinar with Dr. Andrew Thompson, associate professor of Ethics and director of the Center for Religion and Environment at the School of Theology.
This event is co-sponsored by the Eco-Region in Province One and the University of the South.
Downloadable flyer.
Registration is required.
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Spring 2026 Campus Ministry Cohort:
Engaging with IHL's
Purpose: To equip and prepare worshiping communities to engage Institutions of Higher Learning in their local ministry context. IHLs include community colleges, trade schools, professional schools, colleges and universities.
Who: Congregational Leaders (lay and clergy) interested in sharing in Christ's ministry on campus.
What's Included:
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6 Interactive Zoom Gatherings on Tuesday Evenings, (2/3, 2/10, 3/3/, 3/17, 4/7, 4/21, 7:30-9 pm ET / 6:30-8 pm ET ).
- These gatherings will include:
- Best Practices for engaging students on campus and welcoming them into the life of the church.
- Training focused on embodied, contextual approaches to hospitality, evangelism, and discipleship.
- Practical Steps for building trusting relationships with all IHL Stakeholders (students, faculty, staff, & alumni).
- Breakout Rooms for sharing, processing, & celebrating what we are learning along the way.
- Between Gatherings:
- You will be given tools and tasks to accomplish together with your team & report back to the cohort.
- Access to our Cohort Substack to access resources, ask questions, and share ministry experiences.
- 4 Monthly Coaching Sessions with Province V's Campus Ministry Developer (can be utilized in the Spring or Summer 2026).
Cost: FREE to worshiping communities inside Province V! Congregations from outside the province can join for a fee.
Registration Deadline: You can wait until the last minute (January 25), but it would be helpful to reach out to Eric if you are thinking about attending.
Future Cohorts: If you are interested but unable to attend this round, start a conversation with Eric about additional cohorts, events, and networking opportunities.
Have Questions? Want to Register?
Information and Registration
Please email Province V's Campus Ministry Developer, Eric Richey at provincevCMD@gmail.com.
| | Young Adult and Campus Ministry Retreat | | |
An opportunity for College Students and Young Adults 18 to 25. Join us to uncover the “God of the Old Testament” in this eye-opening study with dynamic Bible teacher Joshua Maria Garcia. Revisiting our understanding of biblical texts - and pop culture references to them - we hope to grow in faith and understanding, while undermining one of the pillars of historical antisemitism. While taught from an Episcopal perspective, all are welcome to participate as we consider a broad body of material including traditional Jewish and Christian commentaries, critical scholarship, and our own relationships with God, the text, and each other.
Joshua Maria Garcia is a Bible teacher, author on Christian spirituality, and seminarian at the University of the South. Joshua has a masters in Jewish Studies from Hebrew College and seasonally teaches Biblical Hebrew online. A member of the Episcopal Church, Joshua identifies with open orthodoxy, calling the Church to radical inclusion within (mostly) traditional frameworks.
Registration is required.
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Province V and VI Women Clergy Retreat
May 31–June 3, 2026
Location: St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt, Michigan (near Lansing)
Greetings Women Clergy in Provinces V and VI,
Planning has just gotten underway! Save the date, share the event with others, and watch for more information on this webpage. Registration will open on Feb 1, 2026.
| | A growing list of podcasts provide resources for devotion and contemplation in the Episcopal tradition. Here are a few. | |
Camp Ahead
Exploring the futurology of the summer camp industry. This information can be useful to you as your consider the future of your organization, regardless of industry.
More Info
Prophetic Voices
Hosted by the Rev. Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg, The Episcopal Church’s interim officer for Indigenous Ministries.
More Info
The Listening Post’ podcast: ‘Walking through grief’
This three-part podcast series from TEC’s Armed Forces and Federal Ministries Office explores challenging realities faced by service members,
More Info
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Good News and Gratitude
A New Podcast from the United Thank Offering
More Info
All Things . . . Episcopal
Diocese of West Missouri
More Info
Faith To Go Podcast
A Weekly, On The Go Resource for Parents and Non-Parents Alike
More Info
SpadeSpoonSoul
With Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows and author Jerusalem Greer
More Info
ChurchNext Podcast
Join Richelle Thompson and Chris Yaw as they dive deeper into the latest offerings from this digital formation ministry.
More Info
The Moonshine Jesus Show
Progressive Christian perspectives on sci-fi movies and shows with an emphasis on theology and politics.
More Info
Sermons that Work
Free sermons, Bible studies, bulletin inserts, and other resources that speak to congregations across the Church.
More Info
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For People
With Bishop Rob Wright
More Info
The TryTank Podcast
More Info
Forward Movement Podcasts
Forward Day by Day; A Morning at the Office; Daily Prayer; An Evening at Prayer; Compline; Scripture Day by Day
More Info
The Priesthood of All Queer Believers
Church of the Redeemer Cincinnati
More Info
Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana
Join Bishop Shannon Duckworth and others to expore questions of spirituality today
More Info
Love Your Neighbor with Sean Rowe
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe discusses how denominations can empower local congregations for works of love and justice.
More Info
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Book Corner
A practical, uplifting guide designed to help congregational leadership navigate current issues and inspire deeper thought and contemplation.
In this powerful collection of reflections, the Rev. Dr. Marc Smith offers thoughtful insights and practical guidance for vestries and other church leadership bodies. Addressing key issues like evangelism, social justice, stewardship, and parish life, each chapter includes opening and closing prayers, reflective essays, quotes, and discussion questions designed to equip church leaders to approach their work with wisdom, grace, and a deeper sense of purpose.
“Marc Smith has given us a way to assure leaders that they have what it takes to be spiritual resources as well as can-do people."—The Rev. Barbara C. Crafton, retired priest and author of Jesus Wept: When Faith and Depression Meet
Order from any Episcopal bookstore, Amazon, Christianbook, or your favorite bookseller.
Paperback | 9781640657809 | List Price: $22.95
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Creation Spirituality and the Celebrating & Healing of Mother Earth & Ourselves
Begins January 14, 2026
The Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin and the Matthew Fox Legacy Project are sponsoring a free, 4-session, online lecture series with Matthew Fox. Presentations are held Wednesdays: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. CT. Registrants will receive a Zoom link prior to the session and a recording link following.
Topics include:
- Creation as an Original Blessing and the Springboard of Awe and Wonder
- Sacred Mother Earth: The Holiness of Creation and Recovering the Cosmic Christ
- The Cosmic Mass, and the Stations of the Cosmic Christ: Reinvigorating Liturgy and Rituals
- Jesus as a Teacher of Democracy and the Renewal of Education and Values through the “10 C’s”
Click here to register.
Matthew Fox is a spiritual theologian, an Episcopal priest and an activist for gender justice and eco-justice. He has written 44 books, including Original Blessing, The Coming of the Cosmic Christ, A Spirituality Named Compassion, The Reinvention of Work, The Hidden Spirituality of Men, Christian Mystics and The Pope’s War. He has contributed much to the rediscovery of Hildegard of Bingen, Meister Eckhart and Thomas Aquinas as pre-modern mystics and prophets. Fox holds a doctorate in the history and theology of spirituality from the Institut Catholique de Paris. The founder of the University of Creation Spirituality in California, he conducts dozens of workshops each year and is a visiting scholar at the Academy for the Love of Learning.
| | It's hard to believe that Lent is only a little more than a month away. We've gathered these resources to help your whole family and congregation create a holy period of remembrance, repentance, and renewal. | |
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There is a $10 registration fee for each event.
Registration is required.
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Immigration Action Toolkit and Update Calls
Immigration Action Toolkit
from The Episcopal Church
The Trump Administration has made sweeping policy changes on immigration that are already having an impact on millions of people. Many of these new policies have been—and will be—challenged by the courts, and we anticipate continued shifts. In our ongoing support of migrants, and those living in our communities who face uncertain futures, obtaining and sharing accurate information is critical.
The Episcopal Church website offers a very helpful Immigration Action Toolkit. Everyone is invited to attend weekly Immigration Updates offered on Zoom by Episcopal Migration Ministries and the Office of Government Relations.
Register here.
The above program is hosted by church-wide organizations. If you have questions or would like further information about the Province V Migration Ministry Network, please email one of the co-conveners: Jack Lloyd jack.lloyd@earthlink.net or Silvia Huth silviahuth@yahoo.com or visit the Migration Ministry Network webpage.
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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. See the full calendar for the year.
Email the Diocese of Southern Ohio's Missioner for Beloved Community, Miriam McKenney, to learn more.
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Disarmory Ministries:
We Organize and Run Gun Buybacks
Has your church been interested in doing a hands-on project to help your community get rid of unwanted firearms?
Welcome to Disarmory Ministries. We provide a turnkey operation for organizations who want to hold a buyback and disposal event. We can handle training, equipment, insurance, even personnel. We help you reduce the risks associated with unwanted firearms and contribute to the overall safety of communities.
Disarmory personnel have been organizing gun buybacks for 4 years, and have disposed of 900+ guns over the years, taking part in dozens of buybacks
We will work alongside your volunteers, or provide personnel of our own and see that firearms are handled according to ATF disposal guidelines as well as our safety protocols. Together, we can make a difference in our community by removing these dangerous items from circulation. For more information contact us at disarmory@gmail.com, visit our website at disarmory.org - or give us a call at (855) 307-2011.
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Luke 10 Congregation training
Luke 10 Congregations: Equipping Churches to Do Justice is a training program for Christian churches, co-led by the Kairos Center and Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ). This 9-month program equips congregations to understand Christian Nationalism’s relationship to poverty and racism, examine how these are manifesting in their communities, engage in justice work alongside local partners, and reclaim the biblical, theological, and spiritual underpinnings of the gospel call for justice and abundant life for all people.
At this critical moment in history, when Christianity is being distorted and weaponized, churches can – and indeed must – play an important role in rebuilding community connections, meeting urgent needs, confronting and resisting attacks on the poor and marginalized, and casting a vision for the just and inclusive society we are called to build. The Luke 10 Congregations program is designed to support congregations in meeting this moment, while creating a supportive network of congregations who are all seeking to do this work in their respective communities.
The next round of Luke 10 Congregations will begin in September 2026, and applications will be due June 1, 2026.
More information and application
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2026 Forma Annual Conference
Monday, January 26-Thursday, January 29, 2026
St. John's Cathedral, Denver, Colorado
Learn more and register
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Upcoming Waycross Programs!
Rates reduced to increase accessibility & scholarships available.
Winter Volunteer Weekend
Join us for a weekend at Waycross helping to start new projects as well as with ongoing efforts around our facility! We’ll offer a variety of work for all skill levels. Bring your passion and talent for a fun, active, community filled weekend.
Volunteer Weekends are free and include meals and lodging. Registration is required so that we can make enough food to feed everyone!!
January 9-11, 2026 | Free
Artists, Writers & Readers Retreat
Come spend a weekend at Waycross to work on new or in-progress projects. Bring supplies and set up throughout our campus, spending the days working independently or with others, however is most fruitful for your creative process. In the evenings, there will be space for sharing, collaborating, and asking for feedback.
February 20-22, 2026 | $75
2026 Waycross Camp Registration is Open!
We can’t wait to welcome campers back to Waycross for another summer of friendship & adventure. Registration is now open, visit our website to find your session! Scholarships are available!
2026 Waycross Camp Staff Applications!
Get ready for an unforgettable summer at Waycross! We’re now accepting applications for Summer 2026 Counselors and Counselors-in-Training (CITs). Staff are chosen for their maturity, responsibility, and experience working with children and youth, and receive training in teamwork, supervision, and safety before camp begins. High school CITs gain leadership experience, help staff with activities, and participate in daily leadership development sessions. Summer at Waycross is a chance to grow, serve, and make a lasting difference. Counselor priority application deadline: February 8, 2026. CIT priority application deadline: January 15, 2026. More information: https://waycrossccc.org/camp-homescreen
https://waycrossccc.org/camp-homescreen
| | Follow Province V on socials! | | |
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 Affiliated Organizations, visit the Province V website.
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Archivists
Date of next meeting:
Mar 9, 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 12, 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
As the Advent season approaches, you are cordially invited to participate in a discussion led by Derrick Weston, Director of Theological Education and Formation, Creation Justice Ministries. The session will explore diverse perspectives on our collective message to both ourselves and the wider church community. Key topics will include the central themes within Creation's message, the nature of our witness, and a reflection on what we observe and communicate through our actions.
Mr. Weston’s toolkit for public speaking encompasses a range of subjects, including Theology of Creation, Food Justice, and the theological implications of environmental racism.
Derrick Weston is a writer, filmmaker, podcaster, speaker, and educator whose most recent work has focused on the intersection of food and faith. He is the co-host of the Food and Faith podcast and producer of Spoon, Spade, and Soul, a podcast highlighting food and land-based ministries in the Episcopal church. Additionally, he is the producer of the short film series "A Wilderness Like Eden" highlighting the work of churches engaged in food justice work. After two decades of being a pastor and community organizer, Derrick is a strong believer in the potential of local congregations to enact change in their communities.
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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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Migration Ministries
Date of next meeting:
Jan 20, 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
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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Young Adult / Campus Ministry
Date of next meeting:
Feb 17, 1 pm ET / 12 pm CT
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88386235160
(password 5)
Contact: Eric Richey, Province V Campus Min
webpage:
https://www.provincev.org/yacm.html
Feb. 6-8, 2026
Young Adult and Campus Ministry Midwinter Retreat
Details and registration
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
Date of next meeting:
Jan 8, 1 pm ET / 12 noon CT
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83673680882
(password: 5)
webpage:
https://www.provincev.org/dismantlingracism
Be renewed and get connected with other leaders during our Wisdom Circles.
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Innovation Catalysts
webpage
Date of next meeting: contact Heather for details
What's Next for Prov V Innovation Catalysts
The Province V Innovation Catalysts regular monthly zoom gathering was on hiatus this spring and summer with a relaunch this fall 2025. Our initial gatherings were a great opportunity to pair names with faces and share about our ministries, and we now are ready to move toward a more focused style of gathering with our next zoom meeting planned for November 19. Moving forward, each zoom meeting will be facilitated by a different Prov V Innovator on a volunteer basis.When you facilitate, you have two options: present a case study of a struggle or challenge you're facing and ask for input from the group, or teach a concept or practice you have found transformative in your work. We hope to continue our cross-pollination of expertise and experimentation in a more focused way through this model, and we anticipate that a number of potential workshops for the next Big Provincial Gathering will germinate through these gatherings. Please contact Heather at provincevcoordinator@gmail.com if you would be willing to lead a session, and mark your calendars for Sept 17, 2025 for our reconvening this fall!
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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Retired / Retiring Clergy
Date of next meeting:
Jan 13, 2026, 10 am ET / 9 am CT
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84538273268
Convener: Nancy Foster (Great Lakes) and Percy Grant (Ohio)
webpage:
https://www.provincev.org/retiredclergy.html
This is a network for retired clergy, a place to find others who have gone from a very active, creative and central role in the church, to a back pew. Your time is your own, so now what? This gathering provides a knowledgeable group to talk about how to deal with a spiritual life that does not involve preaching. It will help navigate supply asks, traveling on Sunday, and saying no. A place to be with others who have been in leadership in an ever changing church, but are now watching from the sidelines or perhaps not watching at all. This is being offered now because of the many people asking questions about making this transition. A team of coaches - one ordained and one lay - will ask questions to find creative ways to address the questions and concerns (no wandering into theological quagmires). Join together with other retired or retiring clergy for support and fun.
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Youth and Children
Convener: Carmen Piggins, Michigan
webpage:
https://www.provincev.org/youth.html
Join into conversations with others!
ALL Youth and Children Ministers
Discover Living Stories Sermons: An Introductory Workshop
Feb 11, 2026, 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT
Register here.
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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January 26-29, 2026
St. John’s Cathedral – Denver, CO
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Blanket the world in love!
This winter, your congregation can share warmth and hope by hosting a CWS Blanket Sunday. Every blanket you provide helps families facing displacement, disaster, or poverty feel cared for and supported in Christ’s love. Together, we can wrap our neighbors near and far in comfort and compassion.
Take action today: Plan your Blanket Sunday and make a lasting impact!
Learn more at cwsblankets.org.
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Healthy Congregations offers Workshop Facilitator Training
This training equips participants to facilitate the six Healthy Congregations Workshops in their own communities. Participants will complete fifteen classroom hours that focus on a solid introduction to systems and Bowen Family Systems Theory, and how to utilize this foundation of knowledge in developing strategies for presenting all six workshops. The course will meet on Wednesdays, February 4 – March 18, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern online via Zoom. Learn more on the Healthy Congregations website. Scholarship money is available for first-time participants.
Learn more
Scholarship application
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Charting a Legacy: African Americans in the Episcopal Church, Past and Present
January 10, 2026, 2:30-5 pm (CT)
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Chicago
You can still RSVP for “Charting a Legacy: African Americans in the Episcopal Church, Past and Present” to be held at 2:30 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 3801 S. Wabash, Chicago. Sponsored by the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church, the program features speakers on building a comprehensive timeline of African American history, anti-racism and reparations work in the within the Episcopal Church. The session will be recorded. For complete details, visit https://hsec.us/news/13568179
To help us prepare, please RSVP to administration@hsec.us.
The Historical Society is an Affiliate Member of the American Historical Association, which will hold its 139th Annual Meeting in Chicago. Dr. Jolyon G. R. Pruszinski will also be presenting at the AHA. If you are interested in attending the AHA session, contact Matthew Payne at mpayne@hsec.us.
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Church Periodical Club
Announcing new guidelines for adult written materials including books can be found at Churchperiodical.com click on NBF guidelines.
Maximum grants will be $3000.00. Grants may be submitted between Oct 1, 2025 and Mar 1, 2026 for the 2026 granting session to be held June 2026.
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60th Annual Association of Anglican Musicians Conference!
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Join us in Atlanta (June 7–11, 2026) for the 60th Annual Conference of the Association of Anglican Musicians. Old friends and new will gather for a week of inspiring liturgies, relevant workshops, and beautiful music in buildings with renowned ecclesiastical architecture and world-class organs. www.anglicanmusicians.org/conference
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Summertime Monk Opportunity
Their website or a flyer with more details.
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Episcopal Service Corps Opportunities
Open House: Jan 8, 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT
If you or a young adult you know are looking for new opportunities for spiritual, personal, and professional growth, consider a service experience with Episcopal Service Corps in 2026! Applications are open NOW at
www.episcopalservicecorps.org/apply for all programs, including new spring and summer opportunities with The Commonage in London, Ohio—great for December graduates or college students interested in summer service! A summer or a year with ESC includes spiritual growth, caring community, and justice work in local neighborhoods for young adults ages 21-32.
Questions? Register at here for an applicant open house at 8pm EST/7pm CST on January 8 to meet Corps members and program directors who can share about their experiences.
Take our Discernment Quiz at iam.ec/escquiz to find the right service experience for you. Apply by January 16 for priority consideration.
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Plainsong Farm
Did you know that Episcopal Service Corps (ESC) offers service opportunities outside the academic year calendar? Plainsong Farm in Rockford, Michigan is now accepting applications for fellowships beginning in January 2026. Spend 10 months building community, growing spiritually, and working for justice in the Rogue River watershed of West Michigan. Plainsong fellows grow food for neighbors and food access sites. They host volunteers, care for the land, and walk alongside churches discerning how to steward their land and buildings for the common good. This is a great opportunity for young adults interested in grounding themselves and their communities in hopeful, life-giving rhythms.
Apply to Plainsong Farm today at www.episcopalservicecorps.org/apply.
And spread the word: applications for programs starting in August 2026 open on December 15!
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The Commonage at Procter
A rich connection to place is part of our creational identity: we are embodied beings, and we yearn for roots. - Leonard Hjalmarson, No Home Like Place, A Christian Theology of Place
The Commonage is a new hybrid intentional Episcopal Service Corps program at Procter Center. The aim of establishing The Commonage is to transform the farmhand program from simply an employment opportunity into an Episcopal Service Corps program, thereby giving it greater intentionality and meaning for participants and the wider Procter community, similar to the intentionality of faith and community that our Summer Camp Counselors experience.
The Commonage will be a hybrid intentional community with a shorter residential experience compared to most year-long ESC programs. Our ESC program will offer two tracks for our Farmhands: a long-season track and a short-season track. Long-season corps members will serve from March 1 through October 31, while short-season corps members will serve only for the summer months.
Both tracks include residential intentional community experience with one another and others in the broader Procter Community.
And once the residential experience has concluded, corps members will continue to gather monthly via Zoom and twice more in-person for formation retreats throughout the following year — a schedule that allows college students to participate while completing their academic studies.
Sarah Alphin, an alumna of the Episcopal Service Corps and Farm Manager at Procter Center, will coordinate The Commonage under the leadership of the co-executive directors and with support from an advisory council.
You can read more about the ethos and plans for The Commonage here.
Applications for The Commonage are being accepted now.
For more information email, info@proctercenter.org.
To apply: www.episcopalservicecorps.org/apply.
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Grants for Deacons in Financial Need
The Fund for the Diaconate provides vital financial assistance for deacons and those in diaconal formation who have insufficient funds for their needs. Most Episcopal deacons serve as non-stipendiary leaders, and lack church pensions. Grants are available for ongoing support, declared emergencies, medical expenses, and diaconal formation. Apply at any time.
https://www.fundfordiaconate.org/apply
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Learning Events from Invite Welcome Connect
Invite Welcome Connect Wednesdays Free Webinar Series
Jan. 21: Small Congregations Series: Steps for the Future. Register
Guided by the gospel imperative to “Go and make disciples of all nations,” the ministry of Invite Welcome Connect equips and empowers individuals and congregations to practice evangelism, hospitality, and connectedness.
Through workshops, webinars, coaching, online resources, and On Demand training, Invite Welcome Connect makes it easy for dioceses and congregations to make this ministry their own.
Invite Welcome Connect group book study guide on evangelism, hospitality, and belonging
News & Resources from Invite Welcome Connect Read More
| | Province V Executive Board | | |
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. Dr. Bonnie Perry, Michigan, Vice President
The Rev. Garron Daniels, Springfield, Secretary
Ms. Rebecca Elfring-Roberts, Chicago, Treasurer
Canon Crystal Plummer, Executive Council Representative
The Rev. M.E. Eccles, Executive Council Representative
Dr. 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
Ms. Katie Chipman-Bergsma, Northern Michigan
The Rev. Rachel Harrison, Ohio
Mr. Edward Lasseigne, Southern Ohio
Ms. Carol McCrary, Springfield
The Rev. Marlene Hogue, Wisconsin
Province V Staff:
Heather Barta, Province V Coordinator
Eric Richey, Campus Ministry Developer
Steve Welch, Communications Director
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