News from Province V - Feb 2024 | |
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Highlights of this edition:
- Opening Prayer
- Big Provincial Gathering 2024 - Registration is Open!
- Province V Synod Details
- BPG choir sign up
- Prov V T-Shirts - order yours today!
- Prov V Technology Assistant
- Marine Mammals in Black Feminism and Christian Ethics
- Author Talk: Environmental Justice
- CPC: Quilt and Fiber Raffle - get tickets by Feb. 12
- Using Picture Books for Racial Healing
- ECF Fellowship Program
- Path of Totality: An Eclipse Festival
- Episcopal Parish Network events
- Book Corner
- Festival Thursdays
- Young Adult Service Corps
- Philadelphia 11 Screenings
- Self-Guided Clergy Retreats
- Grants
- Advancing the Science on Peer Support and Suicide Prevention
- Networking Conversations
- Affiliated Organizations
- Upcoming Events and Webinars
- Lenten Resources
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Opening Prayer
World Mission Sunday: Feb. 11
Almighty God, giver of all blessings, anoint us with wisdom, grace, patience and peace. Know that we are preparing ourselves for service to Your people around the world. Be our Guide and Protector, as we undertake the responsibilities You have given us. You are faithful in Your promises to us; may we be faithful in Your service.
Pour out your Spirit on us that we may know things belonging to Your peace. Pour out your Spirit upon the Church that we may be found faithful in witness. Pour out your Spirit upon our Diocese that we may be united in the work to which You have called us. Amen.
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The Province V Synod meeting will be held on Friday afternoon.
This meeting is open to all and required for Synod Deputies and Bishops.
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Registration is open!!!
Register soon for discounted pricing! ($50!)
Main BPG page - includes the schedule and other information
Registration Page - for the main and additional events
Pre-Event trainings - come early to dig deep into a topic
Lodging Guide - stay at the conference hotel, another nearby hotel, or with a local host.
A Scholarship form is posted here. If you need assistance for the BPG, we are able to give scholarships for the BPG. We want ALL to be able to participate!
$50 - if you register by Feb. 29!
$75 - if you register Mar 1 or later
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Swag and Exhibit Tables - information now available
Swag - two types of swag will be gifted at the BPG
- digital swag - submit a slide to be included in a presentation that runs throughout the event and will be posted on the Province V website after the event
- physical swag - submit items to be included in the swag bags
Exhibit Table - if you'd like to have an exhibit table, there will be an opportunity to share your ministry or information on Friday.
Sign up for any of these opportunities on this page.
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THANK YOU to our sponsors! | |
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Prov V Synod details
The Province V Synod will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, in the afternoon. Synod Deputies from each diocese and the bishops will meet to do the business of the province. This meeting is open to all who would like to attend.
Things of note:
1. Nominations for Officers for Province V Executive Board are due by Feb. 29, 2024. Role descriptions and nomination forms can be found on this page.
2. Resolutions need to be submitted by March 1, 2024. These resolutions may be either addressed to Province V or be crafted as a resolution to be given to General Convention. If you need assistance formatting your resolution, contact Heather to be connected to a member of the Province V Executive Board Resolutions Task Group.
3. Registration opens today. To register for the Synod, please complete the BPG registration form. All Deputies and Bishops must register.
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Interested in joining the choir for our 6pm Eucharist? The rehearsal will be at 4 pm before the Eucharist, and the music will be sent to you by March 15 so you can be prepared! Please sign up here. | | |
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Province V t-shirts are available for a limited time! Order yours for $15 by March 1, 2024.
They will be available to pick up at the Big Provincial Gathering. If you are unable to attend in person, please designate the person to whom we should give your shirt.
Choose from:
Use this form to order.
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Meet the new Technology Assistant!
Hannah Scolare is supporting Province V by updating social media pages and partnering with Heather on the newsletter. She was raised in Green Bay, WI, in the Diocese of Fond du Lac, and currently resides in Northern Virginia, where she has been involved with children, youth and family ministries at church.
Follow and share Province V Facebook pages and Instagram!
Province V
Creation Care Network
Dismantling Racism Network
Province V Instagram
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Marine Mammals in Black Feminism and Christian Ethics
Thursday, Feb 22, 7-8 pm ET / 6-7 pm CT
Join us for a special night with The Rev. Dr. Trevor Bechtel!
Registration is required.
Following on the insights of Black Feminist Alexis Pauline Gumbs in her book Undrowned, this presentation explores the world of marine mammals in contemporary culture and Christian ethics. We will have a chance to explore together a love-filled and large vision of who we are as God's creatures, how we breathe and change, and how we can look towards an inclusive future.
Guest Speaker:
Rev. Dr. Trevor Bechtel pastors at Shalom Community Church and Lecturer and Strategic Projects Manager at Poverty Solution at the University of Michigan where he provides leadership and oversight to several Washtenaw County research projects, including the Prosecutor Transparency Project, and he engages students who seek to connect to Poverty Solutions by facilitating a variety of programs, events, and research opportunities. Bechtel also teaches at Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, Michigan, and is Creative Director of the Anabaptist Bestiary Project, a rock and roll bestiary at http://anabaptistbestiaryproject.com/.
Previously, he served as dean of Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Canada, Associate Professor of Religion at Bluffton University in Ohio, and Visiting Instructor of Theology at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. Bechtel holds a doctorate in constructive theology from Loyola University Chicago and has published “The Gift of Ethics” (2014), and “Encountering Earth: Thinking Theologically With a More-Than-Human World” (2018) with Cascade Press, and “Anabaptist Political Theology After Marpeck” (2022) with Cascadia Press.
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Author Book Talk
A Creation Care and Environmental Justice Author Book Talk:
Before The Streetlights Come On: Black America’s Urgent Call for Climate Solutions
When: Thursday, February 29, 2024, 7-8pm ET
Where: Zoom Webinar (Registration required in advance for this webinar)
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Summary: Join the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio’s Creation Care and Environmental Justice Commission in hosting acclaimed author and climate activist, Heather McTeer Toney as she talks about her new book, Before The Streetlights Come On: Black America’s Urgent Call for Climate Solutions. Ms. Toney argues that climate change is quickly becoming the clarion call to action in the twenty-first century. Yet, in Black communities, climate change is seen as less urgent when compared to other pressing issues, including police brutality, gun violence, job security, food insecurity, and the blatant racism faced daily around the country. However, with Black Americans disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change—making up 13 percent of the US population but breathing 40 percent dirtier air and being twice as likely to be hospitalized or die from climate-related health problems than white counterparts—climate change is a central issue of racial justice and affects every aspect of life for Black communities. In Before the Streetlights Come On, climate activist Heather McTeer Toney insists that those most affected by climate change are best suited to lead the movement for climate justice. McTeer Toney brings her background in politics, community advocacy, and leadership in environmental justice to this revolutionary exploration of why and how Black Americans are uniquely qualified to lead national and global conversations around systems of racial disparity and solutions to the climate crisis. As our country delves deeper into solutions for systemic racism and past injustices, she argues, the environmental movement must shift direction and leadership toward those most affected and most affecting change: Black communities.
If you plan to attend and will commit to reading the book prior to the event, we invite you to request a free copy of the book, here.
Free copies will be available to the first 20 people who request the book.
Also, here is a link to a facebook post.
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Church Periodical Club: Quilt and Fiber Raffle
The raffle is open until Feb 12,
and the drawing will be on
Valentine’s Day February 14, 2024.
The link is https://go.rallyup.com/cpc2024/.
You will find descriptions and photos of this year's offerings.
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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.
A training course occurs during one month, so you only need to sign up for one.
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February (6, 7, 8, 13, 14, & 15 from 12 to 1 p.m.). Sign up here.
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March (12, 19, 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
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April (10, 17, 24 from 1 to 3 p.m.) Sign up here.
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May (15, 22, 29 from to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
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June (4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 from 12 to 1 p.m.). Sign up here.
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August (14, 21, 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.). Sign up here.
Email the Diocese of Southern Ohio's Director of Dismantling Racism Miriam McKenney to learn more.
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Navigating the Future
ECF Fellowship Partners and the Evolving Church
The Church of today needs scholars and ministry leaders who can offer practical and creative answers to the questions facing Episcopal communities. This is the goal of the
Episcopal Church Foundation's Fellowship Partners Program: supporting leaders
who will serve the Church of the future.
Join us for an insightful discussion on Monday, February 5th, 2024, at 3 PM Eastern Time, featuring distinguished Fellows, The Rev. Canon Dr. Altagracia Pérez-Bullard and The Rev. Joseph Wolyniak. They’ll discuss their work in reshaping traditional scholarship fields such as theology, ethics, science, technology, and more, to craft meaningful solutions for contemporary issues.
Registration
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"Path of Totality" Festival
Viewing the total eclipse
Apr 6-8, 2024
Bellwether Farm, Wakeman, OH
Photo by Jongsun Lee on Unsplash
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Are You Ready for New Endowment Gifts?
Tuesday, February 6th, 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT
Registration is required.
"Getting to Know Your #2 Cohort"
Senior Associates, Subdeans, Vice-Rectors and Vicars
Thursday, February 8th, 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT
Registration is required.
View more details at their workshop page.
Annual Conference
March 6-9, 2024
Houston, TX
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Book Corner
Coming this April, a curriculum that builds God's beloved community.
Rooted in faith, this five-session formation curriculum is designed to help children in grades K-5 understand their own belovedness and the belovedness of their neighbors. Living God’s Dream is built from activities designed to cultivate the practice of seeing the image of God in everyone. Encouraging children to action, service, and relationships, the curriculum helps children resist ideas that treat others as outsiders. The learner guide includes activities that can be taken home at the conclusion of the program, where it prompts discussions within families.
Developed in conjunction with the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing and field tested in churches, Living God’s Dream is designed for use in a variety of settings, including Sunday school, schools, and Vacation Bible School.
Pre-order from any Episcopal bookstore, Amazon, Bookshop, or your favorite bookstore.
Leader Guide | Paperback | 9781640656703 | List Price: $49.95
Participant Guide | Paperback | 9781640656819 | List Price: $14.95
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Join us for monthly 'Festival Thursdays' on Zoom | |
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Join us for monthly 'Festival Thursdays' on Zoom. Register here for all events.
The good conversations that began during summer's "It's All About Love" festival in Baltimore continue with monthly workshops featuring festival presenters and Q&A. Workshops are the second Thursday of each month at 3 p.m. ET. View past 'Festival Thursday' conversations at this link.
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Young Adult Service Corps
Offering a new extended age limit, the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) invites Episcopalians ages 21 to 35 to consider a year of international mission engagement as their “next faithful step.”
Applications for 2024-2025 placements are being accepted. The deadline to apply online is Feb. 16. More information can be found here. Application is here.
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Philadelphia 11 Screenings
St. Paul's, Cleveland Heights | Feb 11, 4 pm
Trinity, Marshall, MI | May 11
St. John's, Midland, MI | May 18
Emmanuel, Petoskey, MI | June 15
Online premiere! | Mar 8
See all of the details of this project, and learn how to host your own screening.
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Deep Breath: Self-Guided Retreats at Holy Wisdom Monastery
Pastors are invited to come to Holy Wisdom Monastery for a personal retreat. Rev. Kathleen Owens serves as the chaplain for this program and will work with each pastor ahead of your retreat to structure a time that will help you to listen to God and your own heart in your retreat time. Details about the program and the applications can be found here.
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Advancing the Science on Peer Support and Suicide Prevention
February 8, 11-3:345pm ET/ 10-2:45pm CT
February 12, 11-3:30pm ET/ 10-2:30pm CT
This virtual workshop sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health will bring together experts in peer support suicide prevention to discuss relevant conceptual frameworks, recent advances in understanding what works and for whom, service settings, and service-user characteristics that inform intervention strategies across the crisis services continuum, digital and telehealth applications, considerations for youth, and equity considerations. The workshop will identify innovative advancements and areas that need additional research as the field moves forward.
Register here.
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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.
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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Creation Care
Date of next meeting: Feb 12, 1 pm ET / 12 noon CT
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82932843412 (password: 5)
Contact: Jeanette Ettin, Eastern Michigan
webpage: https://www.provincev.org/creation.html
upcoming Zoom gatherings: 3/11, 4/15 (note special date), 5/13
4/8 will be a full eclipse going through Province 5! No network gathering on this day. Catch up with each other on 4/15.
Love God, Love God's World
Love God, Love God’s World is a nine-session, film-based curriculum, ideal for Episcopalians anywhere on the journey with creation care and environmental ministry—from newcomers looking to take their first step to seasoned leaders seeking a transformative small-group experience.
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Dismantling Racism
Date of next meeting: Feb 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
We meet on the first day of February this month (Thursday, 1 p.m. ET/12 pm CT)
We'll use our time for some extended check-in and relationship building: How is it with your soul? Roses, thorns, buds (What's lovely, what's painful, what shows promise). Also any BPG or other announcements.
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Migration Ministries
Date of next meeting: Mar 19, 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
Episcopal Asylum & Detention Ministry 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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Affiliated Organizations
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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Church Periodical Club: Important Announcements
ADULT GRANTS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE ONCE PER YEAR: Adult grant application (NBF, National Books Fund) can be found on our website. We funded multiple types of written word resources from Bibles, choir music to cookbooks ESOL workbooks etc. to meet the needs of Episcopal sponsored outreach and in reach. Applications are due March 1, 2024, and granting will be done June 8 2024. Information and applications found at https://churchperiodical.com/national-book-fund-history/.
Children and youth grants are done all year round. Please consider applying for one of these grants. From books for baby pantries to youth camps, detentions centers and the list goes on. These are called MOP (Miles of Pennies) and information and applications can be found on our website https://churchperiodical.com/miles-of-pennies/.
Quilt raffle returns start Jan 2, 2024 through Feb 14, 2024 - Details here.
NOTE: Maryfran is able to sign your application if you do not have a Diocesan Contact. Also standing committees may sign when there is a bishop vacancy.
Please Contact: Maryfran Crist, Province V CPC Representative
maryfrancrist64@gmail.com, 815-257-7012
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United Thank Offering
Subscribe to the newsletter
click here
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Upcoming Events and Webinars
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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center - many opportunities
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Education for Ministry - a great course for all people
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Church Next - a wide variety of courses.
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Bexley-Seabury Seminary Federation - several upcoming webinars, affinity groups, and courses.
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Virginia Theological Seminary - several upcoming webinars
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You can also see all of their past seminars on their YouTube Channel.
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My Work to Do - a purposeful space for white people to come and learn, listen, reflect and build capacity and stamina to have conversations about race and racism.
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Virtual Women Clergy Gathering February 1, 2024 · 1:30 - 3:30pm ET
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Navigating the Future: ECF Fellowship Partners and the Evolving Church February 5, 2024 3pm ET/ 2pm CT
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Episcopal Parish Network Conference, March 6-9, 2024
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Festival of Homiletics May 13-16, 2024
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General Convention, June 23-28, 2024
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St. Gregory's Abbey will be hosting its annual vocation program during the month of July, 2024. Participants get a glimpse of monastic life as they follow the abbey schedule and work, socialize, and pray with the monks. Classes on monastic life are given and individual conferences are offered. The program is geared toward people who have an interest in monastic life and are wondering if they are called to that life. The program is open to men 18-50 years old (the upper age limit is an approximation and can be negotiated). Applications will be accepted starting January 1, 2024. For more information, go to the monastery website saintgregorysthreerivers.org or the vocation program page saintgregorysthreerivers.org/about/july-program/. | |
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The Word in the Wilderness: A Lenten Retreat
February 15th-17th at The DeKoven Center (Racine, WI)
Begin your journey into the wilderness of Lent with a brief retreat. Join Father Chris Arnold and Mother Pippa Lindwright to make space for Lent as a time of refreshment, self-examination, and dedication to the love of God. Arrive Thursday evening and depart Saturday morning, or just come for the day on Friday. The cost is $220 for overnight retreatants, $120 for commuters. The deadline for registrations is February 1st, 2024. More information and registration can be found here.
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African Descent Ministries
2024 International Black Clergy Conference
April 8-11 - Baltimore, Maryland
This triennial conference welcomes Episcopal bishops, priests, and deacons, as well as participants from the Anglican Church of Canada, and Anglicans and Episcopalians from the Province of the West Indies and throughout the United Kingdom.
- Location: Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor Camden Yards.
- Days will begin and end with prayers, reflection, and music from the Afro-Anglican tradition.
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Plenaries will include presentations from affinity groups across the diaspora and programming developed by the Office of African Descent Ministries.
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Lenten Resources
Episcopal Church Lent resources
A full list of resources
‘Prophetic Voices’ podcast: ‘Preaching Ash Wednesday’
This episode features a discussion of the lectionary for Ash Wednesday, with guests the Rev. Greg Kimura, vice dean of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco; and Sandra Montes, dean of chapel at Union Theological Seminary. “Prophetic Voices” is hosted by the Rev. Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg, Episcopal Church staff officer for racial reconciliation.
Lent Resources For Individuals and Families
curated by Lifelong Learning staff Sarah Allred and Jodi Belcher
Bless the Lent We Actually Have: 40 Days to Reflect, Pray, and Bless Our Imperfect Lives. Free guides available for individuals, groups, and churches from Kate Bowler.
New and Recent Lent Resources for 2023 A diverse list of devotionals, calendars, curricula, and activities from Building Faith.
Lent in a Bag: An Activity for Church or Home A popular Lenten formation tradition for families from Building Faith.
From Forward Movement: Will You? A Lenten Study of Baptismal Promises
God Is Still with Us. Illustrated Ministry's Lent resource for families with children.
Episcopal Relief and Development
You’re invited to subscribe to Episcopal Relief & Development Lenten Meditations! Visit our website to sign up for daily meditation emails, written by Miguel Escobar, on living an authentic life as followers of Christ.
UTO: 2024 Lenten Materials Now Available
Our theme for our 2024 Lenten materials is “40 Days of Grateful Presence” and they are a call to giving thanks for the many things in our lives we take for granted. Our hope is that during the 40 days of Lent we can all use gratitude to help us be more present in our daily lives. Find out more about the resources available for Lent here.
2024 Lenten Book Club: Thanks A Thousand: A Gratitude Journey
Register here.
UTO is offering a 5-session book club on Thanks A Thousand: A Gratitude Journey by A.J. Jacobs. The book follows Jacobs as he decides to try and thank everyone who contributes to daily cup of coffee. This is a perfect book to explore during Lent because it can encourage us to think more deeply about the everyday items we use without really thinking about the effort that goes into creating them. We’ll explore this book together and see what we can learn about gratitude as a tool for being more present in the midst of our daily routines. While reading the text prior to the meeting will enhance your experience, it is not required. Bonus, there is a TED talk with A.J. Jacobs you can watch if you don’t have time to read each week. You’re also welcome to attend all 5 sessions or just the ones when you’re available or where a topic interests you. See the newsletter for the full schedule.
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Living Compass
Lent 2024 Devotional
Practicing Forgiveness with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind (available in English and Spanish)
Order here!
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Life Transformed - The Way of Love in Lent
The journey through Lent into Easter is a journey with Jesus. We are baptized into his life, self-giving, and death; then, we rise in hope to life transformed. This Lent, communities are invited to walk with Jesus in his Way of Love and into the experience of transformed life. Together, we will reflect anew on the loving actions of God as recounted in the Easter Vigil readings. Together, we will walk through the depths of salvation history into the fullness of redemption.
Curricula for a 7-session adult forum and a one-day retreat. More information here.
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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:
The Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter, Fond du Lac and Eau Claire, President
Mr. Rick Stanitis, Northern Michigan, 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. Lesley MacKellar, Indianapolis
Dr. Edie Wakevainen, Michigan
The Rev. Matthew Buterbaugh, Milwaukee
Ms. Betty Bowersox, Missouri
The Rev. Dr. Terri Bays, Northern Indiana
Mr. Rick Stanitis, Northern Michigan
The Rev. Rachel Harrison, Ohio
Mr. Edward Lasseigne, Southern Ohio
Ms. Jan Goossens, Springfield
Heather Barta, Province V Coordinator
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