March 2020 Diocesan Newsletter
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Bishop White's Pastoral Directive Concerning COVID-19 Pandemic
Click
here to view the Bishop's pastoral directive concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.
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A Message from the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Task Force
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Please know that we all know and understand the stresses that the pandemic is placing on each of you in your daily life. Anxiety and the unknowns create body and mental stress and can deplete the reserves of the strongest. In order to respond, the Diocesan Mental Health and Substance Abuse Task Force is working to provide a detailed list of resources you can utilize for counseling, and for emergency care. That will be posted by 3/25 as we gather resources from across Kentucky.
In the meantime,
here is a link of the primary community funded mental health resources across the state. They can provide emergency services and refer you to other local services. An increasing number of mental health agencies and counselors are also providing tele-health counseling, which means you can access help virtually.
We encourage you to contact us if you have specific questions on resources by sending emails to
Deacon Dru and we pray with each of you for strength, patience, and wisdom to manage this increased load of anxiety.
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COVID-19 Resources
Below are resources we’ve shared as we work together to keep ourselves healthy as our communities deal with the impact of the novel Coronavirus.
Click
here
to visit the Coronavirus resource page on our website.
Text covid-19 to 502-526-4382 to receive updates/announcements regarding the Coronavirus via SMS text message.
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The Commemoration of Anne McCarty Braden
Civil Rights activist and advocate for racial equality, Anne McCarty Braden, was commemorated in an event held at St. George's Episcopal Church on Saturday, March 7th. The Rt. Rev. Bishop White celebrated, The Rev. Canon Amy Coultas preached, Dr. Catherine Fosl spoke, and social justice advocate Maddie Jones spoke. The service was was well attended, with hundreds viewing the live stream online.
Click
here to view the live stream of the service.
Click
here for the service bulletin.
Click
here for a brief bio of Anne McCarty Braden.
Photo Credit: Del Ramey
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General Convention 2024 Location Announced
The 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church will be held in July 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky (Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky).
Click
here for more details.
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Important Update from the Episcopal Church Regarding COVID-19
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry issued a letter to the church stating that, effective March 13, 2020, and continuing through May 31, 2020, all meetings and gatherings will be conducted remotely, or postponed, or canceled. Decisions regarding meetings after May 31 will be made by the ELT as the days progress.
Click
here to view bishop Curry's letter.
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A message to diocesan communications staff from The Episcopal Church’s Office of Communication
In response to requests for ways to share information about live-streamed services in each diocese, The Episcopal Church office of Communication is inviting churches who are live-streaming services to update their worship information on the episcopal asset map as soon as possible. This is an important resource.
Click
here for instructions.
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Make Me an Instrument of Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse
This five-part online curriculum covers the following topics: civil discourse in context, tenets for civil discourse, values-based conversations, the complexities of policy, and sacred space for debate.
This guide to civil discourse curriculum aims to enhance our ability to learn from and understand one another, and to apply that practice to public policy conversations.
Click
here for more information about how to access this resource.
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Parish Administration in an Evolving Time: A Webinar Hosted by CEEP Network’s Parish Administrator Group
Church administrators are invited to join the CEEP Network Administrator Group for a moderated discussion about church operations and administration during our initial reaction to COVID-19.
Click
here for details and links to registration.
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Church Publishing is Here to Support You
During this time Church Publishing offers free shipping - find out more
here.
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Forward Movement Podcasts
Forward Movement offers lots of resources for “doing faith at home.” Click
here for their podcasts.
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The stations of the cross series from Episcopal Migration Ministries
This Lent, you are invited to join Episcopal Migration Ministries as they journey the Stations of the Cross.
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Thoughtful Conversations for the Upcoming Election
With elections quickly approaching, The Church Publishing company has compiled a selection of books that engage the topic of how faith and politics coincide.
Click
here for the reading list.
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Virtual Gathering
While we cannot be together physically this weekend, we are still a community, and we will still gather for worship, formation and fellowship. Beginning tonight (Friday March 20) the youth council and Mama Doyle will be making posts including videos, games, formation and worship. You are encouraged to engage in the comment sections. All posts, including any live posts, will stay on the facebook page so you can engage as you are able.
Here is a schedule of live posts:
Friday
6:00 pm EST Introduction to the weekend—a time to introduce ourselves and
begin to gather in community
Saturday
10:00 am EST Morning Prayer
11:00 am EST Formation—Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for your
welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”
6:00 pm EST—Ask the clergy
Sunday
Noon—closing
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Summer Camp—The Way of Love
Having fun together as we explore what it means to follow Jesus.
TURN Pause, listen, and choose to follow Jesus
LEARN Reflect on Scripture each day, especially Jesus’ life and teachings
PRAY Dwell intentionally with God each day
WORSHIP Gather in community weekly to thank, praise, and draw near God
BLESS Share faith and unselfishly give and serve
GO Cross boundaries, listen deeply, and live like Jesus
REST Receive the gift of God’s grace, peace, and restoration
Save the dates
Senior high June 21-26 (rising 9-12)
Primary June 28-July2 (rising 2-4 grades)
New Horizons July 12-17 (rising 5-6)
Junior High July 19-24 (rising 7-8)
Interested in joining a team of fun, energetic, compassionate, and caring young adults who make a difference in the lives of children and youth everyday? Apply now to become a part of the 2020 All Saints Staff.
Summer Camp staff applications are now available
here.
For more information visit our website
here
.
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Gospel Mission Continues to Neighbors in Need
During this time of COVID-19 response our congregations have reported various ways we are continuing to offer social service ministry while adhering to the CDC’s social distancing directives. Trinity, Fulton continues its food assistance service by delivering food directly to the trunks of cars so guest do not need to stand in line and volunteers can stay the recommended distance from those being serviced. St. Matthew’s, Louisville also will keep its Saturday morning Dare to Care ministry ongoing using a similar car delivery service. St. George’s, Louisville has been keeping compliance with the Health Department’s recommendations by sharing food boxes through the doorway. Various members of congregations offer online AA and NA conference meetings.
Together we are learning new and creative ways to continue to serve our neighbors while keeping them and our congregants safe amid this time of public health response. We continue to be hands and feet of Christ in the world even as we learn adaptive ways of being this loving presence. It is a joy to remember that together we offer hope as we live and share the resilient love of God with our beloved neighbors. Love wins!
Do you have stories you’d like to share about how your congregation is serving during this time? Please email
Katie McNew (katie@episcopalky.org) at the diocesan office and we will share those stories in our next General Newsletter.
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Trinity Episcopal Church, Danville, KY seeks a part-time Assistant Music Minister
Trinity Episcopal Church, Danville Ky, is an active, historic church in the heart of the Bluegrass. We are looking for an organist who will lead us in vibrant worship and support the ministry of our choir.
Click
here
for position requirements and contact info.
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Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Diocesan Staff will be working remotely. We will be available by email, and will check phone messages periodically.
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Submissions for materials to be considered for the April General Newsletter are due by April 7, 2020. Please send your submissions to
katie@episcopalky.org
.
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Looking for the prayer resources? Try the Daily Office:
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Embracing Christ, Engaging the World
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