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News from Province V - December 2022

Highlights of this edition:

  • Opening Prayers
  • Advent Resources
  • Tell me the truth about Racism
  • Creation Care Network Challenge: Join EPPN
  • Young Adult Fellowship Application Open
  • Jan 11 - Wear Blue - National Human Trafficking Prevention Day
  • Office of Government Relations
  • Guns to Gardens event
  • New Book: The Worried Wiseman
  • ECCSR program application
  • Lay-Led Congregations Network
  • The Good Book Club
  • Networking Conversation
  • Affiliated Organizations
  • Partner's Path
  • Church Periodical Club
  • Episcopal Relief and Development
  • Historical Society of The Episcopal Church
  • Episcopal Peace Fellowship
  • United Thank Offering - events and grant
  • Upcoming Events and Webinars
  • Look for January's newsletter on Jan 6, 2023

Opening Prayer

A Prayer for lighting the 2nd Advent Candle


Almighty and loving God, you who dwell within our hearts at every waking moment, keep us always close to you. Help us to recognize and appreciate the gifts and talents you have given us. Teach us to use our energies for the good of others and the glory of your Son, Jesus, whose promise is too precious to ignore. Keep our hearts and minds ever alert to your personal and loving touch in every prayer, in every act of worship.  Amen.


source with the full liturgy

Advent Resources


AdventWord

Daily meditations and images—inspired by a prompt word selected from the daily lectionary readings—will be released at adventword.org, beginning Sunday, November 27.



Advent Podcast: Prophetic Voices

Tune into "Prophetic Voices" this Advent for profound dialogues about race, faith, justice, and God's dream. You'll hear ancient texts interpreted in new ways, find fodder for preaching and teaching, and make present day connections to the prophetic voices of the Bible.


Subscribe to Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community on your favorite podcasting app.


Advent and Christmas Resources from The Episcopal Church



Living Compass - Advent 2022 Devotional

Practicing Simplicity with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind

See the full article with resources

Tell Me the Truth About Racism

All are invited: An event hosted by the Diocese of Michigan

Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 7:30 PM ET / 6:30 pm CT


The Tell Me the Truth About Racism Informational hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan will take place on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 7:30 PM EST via Zoom. Tell Me the Truth About Racism is a story that frames racism through the lens of Christian faith for children aged 5-12. The creators of the curriculum, Will Bouvel and Jen Holt Enriquez, first built the foundation of this work in Lent 2021 to teach children at their churches in the Diocese of Chicago. During this informational, Will and Jen will give a quick snapshot of the curriculum and explain opportunities to join training cohorts. If you are interested in joining a cohort or hearing more about the program, please join us! To register please complete the registration below. For questions, please contact Carmen Piggins, [email protected].


Registration is required: https://edomiforms.formstack.com/forms/tellmethetruthaboutracism

The Creation Care Network: Join

Episcopal Public Policy Network

December challenge: Join EPPN


General Convention Resolution A088, part 5, states:

That The Episcopal Church direct the Office of Government Relations and the Episcopal Public Policy Network to advocate for legislation and other public policies that directly address the impact of climate change among marginalized, indigenous, and frontline communities and that tangibly and financially assist those communities with the costs of both climate change and mitigation, and policies that prohibit the authorization and construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure including but not limited to coal, oil, or gas leases on public lands, all forms of mountaintop removal mining, and tar sands pipelines such as Keystone XL, Enbridge Line #3, and the Dakota Access Pipeline.


TAKE ACTION! Join EPPN to be part of this work!


The EPISCOPAL PUBLIC POLICY NETWORK (EPPN) is a grassroots effort of The

Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations to educate, equip and engage

individual Episcopalians in federal public policy advocacy, guided by the resolutions of

the General Convention and the Executive Council. To sign up for EPPN Action alerts

that come to your personal email AND to receive a unique code to listen in on the

fast-paced, 30-minute Zoom call every Thursday at 1 pm ("Weekly Network Calls"), register

here as an EPPN network member.


Take more action: become an Election Activator


------------


QR Code created by Tracy Stebbins, Diocese of Mississippi, Prov IV. Please share with your networks, parishes, and dioceses.

Young Adult Fellowship

Application Open


Plainsong Farm & Ministry seeks to cultivate connections between people, places, and God by creating a place that nurtures belonging and the radical renewal of God’s world. We do this through growing food for people and people for God. Plainsong offers farm-based education and farm-based faith formation for people of all ages. But nurturing young adults is at the heart of our work. 

Plainsong Farm is a living laboratory where young adults can experiment with how to pray, rest, belong, grow, serve, and play. Plainsong’s young adult fellows grow food for local pantries, help out with farm camp, host volunteers, care for the land, and share stories from the farm. This ten month fellowship program for adults, ages 21-32, offers immersive experiences and education in small-scale regenerative agriculture, spiritual practice, and communal living. 


Chavala, a 2021-2022 Fellow, and Nick, Plainsong's Summer Seminary Intern, reflected on their recent experiences at Plainsong Farm here and here


If you know someone who is longing for a supportive community in which to pray, belong, grow, rest, ask big questions, and play, please pass along the following information about Plainsong's 2023 January-November Fellowship. MORE INFORMATION HERE


We are accepting applications now! Please tell everyone you know!(particularly if they are 21-32 yrs old) 

National Human Trafficking Prevention Day

Prayer Service and Speaker

January 11, 2023, 7 pm ET / 6 pm CT

Join us to pray to end human trafficking. Hear from trafficking survivors. Learn about resources available across the province (and country) and how you might take action.


​Learn more about National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Wear Blue on January 11

Download resources to use in your parish and diocese


Registration is required

Office of Government Relations


If you haven’t already, join the Office of Government Relations (OGR) for a 30-minute, weekly conversation to stay up-to-date on and ask questions about current legislation and policy during our Weekly Network Calls Thursdays from 1:00-1:30 pm Eastern time


Continue Taking Action

You can still take action on dozens of issues through the Action Alerts on our website. This week, consider sending messages to your elected officials (for the first time or again) on:

Urge Congress to Act on Solitary Confinement!

Tell Congress to Reform the Electoral Count Act

Urge Your Senators to Support Marriage Equality

The Worried Wiseman


Beautifully illustrated with clay creations, this new children’s book for the Christmas season and beyond illuminates the journey of one of the three wise men as he learns the power of faith and hope even when things feel uncertain. 

 

“Use this book during the holidays as an addition to your holiday staples, as an inspiration for discussions on worries and fears, or simply because your students (or your children) cherish the telling and re-telling of the gift of the Magi. Enjoy!"

Picture Book Depot

 

Available from any Episcopal bookstoreAmazonBookshop, or your favorite bookstore.

 

List Price: $21.95 | Hardcover | 9781640654907

Apply for the Ecumenical Center for Clergy Spiritual Renewal (ECCSR) program

Check out a great retreat opportunity for clergy renewal.


This experience could be just what your spirit needs after the many challenges and demands of ministry in our current culture and situation. Applications are open for the 2023 cohort of pastors. If you are a pastor who:

  • Is open to receiving the blessings of the ancient rhythms of an ecumenical Benedictine monastery
  • Lives within 4-5 hours driving distance of Madison, WI
  • Has approximately 3-15 years of experience serving as an ordained pastor in a congregational setting

To learn more about this amazing experience:

https://holywisdommonastery.org/eccsr/


See the flyer.


Applications are open October 15 - December 31, 2022. If you would like more information, contact Nancy Enderle, [email protected] or Scott Stoner, [email protected].

Led-Lay Congregations Network


Are you a leader in a lay-led congregation? Join the conversation, share your wisdom, learn from others.


January 21, 2023 meeting description:


We will be talking about the priest companion model of parish leadership.

A priest companion model was tested by St. Aidan's Ann Arbor in the Advent to Easter seasons of 2021-22. This model created a position that was more than traditional supply but not as extensive as an interim position. This position allowed the congregation (which had been in an extended search process) to share in the Eucharist twice a month, and to have several educational and pastoral support opportunities that would have been beyond the capacity of the lay leadership to provide. This model was very successful, providing a welcome respite for lay leadership during a time when finding permanent clergy was proving to be very difficult. Since that time St. Aidan's has called a permanent part-time vicar.


See the network page for all of the information.

Check out the resources and download the Bible Studies to get ready for this great study.

Networking Conversations

Province V's work in the world is to "Connect. Network. Support." Networks exist for people to gather around areas of interest and share resources with each other. Sometimes, networks host webinars to share information and sometimes they develop new resources to support leaders in their local contexts. 


There are a number of networks meeting regularly and several that are just getting organized. 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.

Anti-Human Trafficking

Special Event!

National Human Trafficking Prevention Day

Prayer Service and Speaker

January 11, 2023, 7 pm ET / 6 pm CT

​Learn more about National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Wear Blue on January 11

Download resources to use in your parish and diocese


Registration is required



webpage: https://www.provincev.org/antihumantrafficking.html



Magdalene House, Chicago - Online Shop now live!

Support this amazing organization by ordering from their new shop!

Like their Facebook Page!


Learn How to Shine a Light on Human Trafficking in Native Communities

November is National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. Blue Campaign is honoring #NAHM by raising awareness of human trafficking, sharing what it can look like, and how communities can protect themselves. Human trafficking poses a unique threat to Native American people, including children, because traffickers operate under the assumption that Native victims are invisible to law enforcement and the greater community. It is Blue Campaign’s mission to bring this often-hidden crime to light. Take a moment to learn more and share Blue Campaign’s awareness and prevention resources:

Archivists

Date of next meeting: Dec 12, 11 am E / 10 am C

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89950734030 (password: 5)

Convener: Newland Smith, Chicago

webpage: https://www.provincev.org/archivist.html

Creation Care

Date of next meeting: Dec 12, 1 pm ET / 12 noon CT

Zoom link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82932843412 (password: 5)

Contact: Heather Barta (while the convener is on sabbatical for the fall)

webpage: https://www.provincev.org/creation.html


Dismantling Racism

Date of next meeting: Dec 1, 1 pm ET / 12 noon CT

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88215961535 (password: 5)

Convener: Margaret D'Anieri, Ohio

webpage: https://www.provincev.org/dismantlingracism.html


This month, we'll be joined by the Rev. Dr. Brian Wilbert, archivist in the Diocese of Ohio, He will lead us in a conversation about using our archives and other historical resources to help parishes and other entities explore their past and begin the process of doing a racial audit.


NOTE: this meeting is on DECEMBER 1st (always the first Thursday of the month)

Intergenerational / All-Ages Worship

Date of next meeting: Jan 11, 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85736273559 (password: 5)

Convener: Miranda Hassett, Milwaukee

webpage: https://www.provincev.org/worship.html


We’ll be brainstorming all-ages worship ideas for Lent, Holy Week and Easter. Bring your questions and your ideas!

Lay-Led Congregations

Date of next meeting: Jan 21, 11 am ET / 10 am CT

(no Dec meeting)

Zoom link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83416490879 (password: 5)

convener: Jim Mogensen, Michigan

webpage: https://www.provincev.org/layledcongregations.html


January 2023 meeting description:


We will be talking about the priest companion model of parish leadership.

A priest companion model was tested by St. Aidan's Ann Arbor in the Advent to Easter seasons of 2021-22. This model created a position that was more than traditional supply but not as extensive as an interim position. This position allowed the congregation (which had been in an extended search process) to share in the Eucharist twice a month, and to have several educational and pastoral support opportunities that would have been beyond the capacity of the lay leadership to provide. This model was very successful, providing a welcome respite for lay leadership during a time when finding permanent clergy was proving to be very difficult. Since that time St. Aidan's has called a permanent part-time vicar.

Migration Ministries

MOVING TO TUESDAYS!

Date of next meeting: Jan 17, 8 pm ET / 7 pm C

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81246380265 (password: 5)

Conveners: Silvia Huth, Michigan and Jack Lloyd, Chicago

webpage: https://www.provincev.org/migration.html


2 documentaries to help understand the refugee crisis.

From an African refugee camp to the US

A Day in the Life of Refugees



January Meeting

The next meeting of the Migration Ministry Network is scheduled for Tuesday January 17, 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT. We will continue to meet bimonthly in 2023, and we invite you to participate on the third Tuesdays of January, March, May, July, September, and November.


In December, please join the upcoming nationwide Advent Prayer Vigil on Sunday, December 4 at 7 pm ET / 6 pm CT. Members and friends of EMM's Asylum and Detention Ministry Network will pray for detention facility chaplains and ministry partners at the Vigil and send follow-up cards to let individuals know we held them in prayer. The Order of Service is here [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LFt2juIQ_WOdLTmB2EreVD3Cv-JeeXCW/edit] and you can register here [bit.ly/emmadventvigil].



EMM Meeting info


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. Register to attend meetings here.

Ministry in Resort Communities

Date of next meeting: Dec 13, 11 a E / 10 am C

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86720691365 (waiting room)

Convener: Dave Penniman, Western Michigan

webpage: https://www.provincev.org/resort.html


We are changing from monthly meetings to quarterly meetings - still by Zoom.

Feel free to invite others who are serving amid the opportunities and challenges in Resort Communities.

Recovery Ministries

This network is on hiatus.  Look for more information in 2023.

Date of next meeting: 

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82605469404 (password: 5)

Convener: Debbi Rhodes, Northern Indiana

webpage: https://www.provincev.org/recovery.html


2023 Gathering - Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church

April 26-29, 2023

"From Basement to Sanctuary, Recovery and the Church"

Barbara C Harris Conference Center, Greenfield, NH

Details

Suicide Prevention

Note special date for Dec

Date of next meeting: Dec 14, 12 pm E / 11 am C

Zoom link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89411193842 (password 5)

Convener: Kathy Mank, Southern Ohio

webpage: https://www.provincev.org/suicideprevention.html


Agenda for Dec meeting:

  • Bible Study speaker series
  • other helpful programs for 2023?



988 - Call, Text or Chat to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Main webpage



This number will continue to work: 1-800-273-TALK – Talk Save Lives.

Youth

Coordinator: McKenzie Knill, Eastern/Western Michigan

webpage: https://www.provincev.org/youth.html

Young Adult / Campus Ministry

Date of next meeting: Feb 16, 12:30 pm E / 11:30 am C

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85299879711 (password 5)

Convener: Matthew Lukens, Michigan

webpage: https://www.provincev.org/yacm.html

Affiliated Organizations

There are a number of organizations affiliated with the Episcopal Church and working across Province V. This groups have a "structure" that is more organized than a network. They have resources and information that is useful in your local ministry contexts.


For a full list of Networks and other Affiliated Organizations, visit the Province V website.

Partner's Path


We are expanding to support local clergy spouses’ groups in more and more dioceses! Our virtual community also continues with one more webinar Dec 5 before holiday break. To connect with us and learn more, visit thepartnerspath.com or email us at [email protected] 

Church Periodical Club


NEW WEBSITE!!!!

Check out the new website to learn more about this organization, how you can give, and how you can apply for grants.


National Books Fund: applications available

What is the National Books Fund? The NATIONAL BOOKS FUND (NBF) makes grants for written and electronic materials, both religious and secular, for adults for programs affiliated with Episcopal entities. Church Periodical Club receives money donated by individuals, local churches, dioceses, and provinces. Grants are made once a year in June. The application deadline is March 1,2023. What can be covered? Grants are made for written materials of all types, such as books, magazines, e-books, and workbooks. The specific materials are determined and purchased by the recipients. More information is available on our website.

Province V Episcopal Church Women

16 Days of Activism

Against Gender Based Violence

November 25 - December 10


As in previous years, the color orange will be used to represent a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls, as a unifying theme running through all global actions of the UNiTE campaign.

Prayer & Reflection

Saturday, December 10th at 12 Noon ET

 

Zoom Link:

  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89517768693


Resources:

16-Days-of-Activism_Toolkit_2021.pdf (episcopalrelief.org)


TEAC-Just-relationships-women-men.pdf (anglicancommunion.org)

Episcopal Relief and Development


Gifts for Life - a sustainable and lasting gift

Discover new ways to empower people worldwide through Gifts for Life. Connect families with sustainable sources of food and income with Gifts to Foster Resilience; invest in women-owned businesses with Gifts for Women; give children every opportunity to thrive with Gifts for Children; or gather with friends and family to purchase one of our gift packages.


Double your gift

Help transform lives within our global community this holiday with a donation that doubles! Until 12/31, your tax-deductible donation will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $750,000. Now your gift goes twice as far in achieving our most urgent priorities: promoting the wellbeing of children, empowering women and helping communities adapt to our changing climate.

Give here!

Historical Society of the Episcopal Church

United Thank Offering

Subscribe to the newsletter

click here


Christmas Cards Orders Now Available

Are you looking for a way to express gratitude for your loved ones this holiday season? Look no further - the UTO Christmas Cards are here!

  •  UTO will mail cards on your behalf for a minimum donation of $10 a card or
  • Order a pack of 10 blank cards for a minimum donation of $50, which will be sent to you


This year, we have two options for granting someone the gift of gratitude:

All cards ordered by December 14 will be mailed by December 16, but the earlier you request your cards, the earlier you will receive them! For more information and to order cards, click here.



Grant


United Thank Offering invites 2023 annual grants

Five webinars will provide info, answer questions

The United Thank Offering (UTO) Board is pleased to announce the availability of its 2023 UTO Annual Grants, with a focus on the worldwide incarceration crisis. These grants are awarded for projects in The Episcopal Church and throughout the Anglican Communion, each year with a different focus.

 

Grant application deadlines:

  • 5 p.m. ET Jan. 6, for Anglican Communion partners
  • 5 p.m. ET March 10, for dioceses of The Episcopal Church.

 

More information—including criteria for applicants, sample budgets and timelines, and helpful hints—as well as application and other forms are available online in English and Spanish.

Upcoming Events and webinars



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 Fridays at 10 am via zoom.


Contact your diocesan representative to the Executive Board:

Canon Jane Cisluycis, Northern Michigan President

The Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter, Fond du Lac and Eau Claire, Vice President

Ms. Adrienne Dillon, Missouri, 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, Eastern Michigan

The Rev. Marlene Hogue, Eau Claire

Ms. Chris Eggert-Rosenthal, Fond du Lac

Ms. Lesley MacKellar, Indianapolis

Dr. Edie Wakevainen, Michigan

The Rev. Matthew Buterbaugh, Milwaukee

Ms. Betty Bowersox, Missouri

Mr. Christopher Hillak, Northern Indiana

Mr. Rick Stanitis, Northern Michigan

The Rev. Rachel Harrison, Ohio

Mr. Edward Lasseigne, Southern Ohio

Ms. Jan Goossens, Springfield

Ms. Joanie Smith, Western Michigan


Heather Barta, Province V Coordinator

Visit our Website

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Share this newsletter! Forward to your friends and colleagues, or have them visit this site to sign up for themselves. (There is a link at the bottom of the provincev.org homepage, also.)


Province V

General Province V Facebook page

Dismantling Racism Facebook page

Creation Care Facebook group