Sharing the Good News, Telling Our Stories | | Convention: Nominations, Resolutions DUE TODAY | |
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Base Camp: A School for Mission
Lunch and Learn: Join Jennifer Woodruff Tait for conversation and community on the topic of "The Ministry of the Baptized in Daily Life."
Grab a sandwich, flip on Zoom, and spend some time exploring God's call in your life.
November 10, 17, and 24: 12-12:45 pm on Zoom. Register here
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From the Standing Committee
We are grateful to share an update with you on where we are in this sacred journey of calling our 9th Bishop. This really is an exciting time to be the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, and we thank you for your active participation in this important work.
The Spirit is truly at work among us. Our Search Committee has been doing remarkable work completing the diocesan profile, and they've been deeply attentive to the incredible energy of hopefulness that emerged from listening sessions across the diocese, from your survey responses, and from all the ways you have shared your hopes and dreams for our future. That profile will be finished later this month, and once it's released, the committee will open the door to receive applications from candidates. The Standing Committee has reviewed the profile, and we can tell you—it's good! We were joking with Bishop Mark that it's so compelling he'll want to reapply. We had a good laugh and were reminded that the grandchildren are still calling.
The Search Committee is in great shape with their work. At the same time, our Transition Committee is rolling up its sleeves and beginning to plan two really important pieces: first, how we're going to celebrate Bishop Mark's incredible ministry among us. Mark your calendars for a special St. George's Day at the Cathedral Domain! Second, how we're going to offer warm, genuine hospitality to the final candidates when they come to be with us.
This is a season of both thanksgiving and anticipation. We are grateful—so grateful—for Bishop Mark's faithful leadership, and we're leaning into this next chapter with open hearts, trusting in God's hope-filled future for all of us.
Thank you for your continued prayers as this journey unfolds.
Read more about the Bishop Search
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Faith in Action is a new series highlighting stories of Episcopalians putting their faith in action. Nominate someone—or yourself! Contact richellet@diolex.org.
When Keith Gilles retired from a career as a hospital administrator, he wanted to find a way to give back. For Keith, a longtime member of St. Andrew’s, Fort Thomas, that gratitude soon found expression in volunteering with Honor Flight Tri-State, a nonprofit organization that takes veterans to Washington,D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. These flights are completely free for veterans.
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For Keith, this ministry is a way to live out the baptismal call to honor the dignity of every person. Honoring our veterans is a way for Keith to give back and to serve others. ”That is what our Lord asks us to,” he said.
Keith (in red) stands with Jerry Kohls, a member of St. Andrew's, who took an Honor Flight this fall.
Read the full story
| | Praying for pilgrimage, journey with us virtually | | |
Twelve pilgrims are making their way to Mongtomery and Selma Alabama this week (Oct. 16-19) to visit important sites in the journey for justice. Led by Canon Becca Kello and Whit Whitaker, president of Lexington's NAACP, the pilgrimage will include stops at the Selma bridge and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
You can follow the pilgrimage here.
Please keep the pilgrims in your prayers.
Almighty God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth. Be with us on this pilgrimage and walk beside us in our journey and, we pray, leave us not alone even to the devices of our minds and spirits; cleanse us, renew us, and restore us to the end that we may face the responsibilities that await us beyond this pilgrimage with strength, with confidence, and with courage to which we are called. Amen.
| | Souvenirs of the Holy Book Launch | | |
Souvenirs of the Holy is the latest release from the Rev. Laurie Brock, rector of St. Michael's, Lexington. Join Laurie on Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. for a book signing and a special activity of painting your own keepsake bookmark using everyday objects, led by watercolor artist Sara Lachance.
Cost: $35 (includes a copy of the book and a guided art activity)
Learn more about Laurie and her books by visiting her website.
Learn more about Sara and her art by visiting her website.
All are invited and welcome!
Register online at saint-michaels.org/book
| | November Forums at Christ Church Cathedral | | |
You're invited to the November Forums at Christ Church Cathedral, which will explore the Journey of Adult Lifespan Development and the Adventure of Cognitive Aging. Forums meet Sundays at 10 a.m. in the Tilford Room.
Nov. 2: The Journey of Aging Across the Adult Lifespan: From Young Adult (20’s) to Very Old Age (100 plus) presented by Gary Stewart, Ph.D.
This presentation is for all adults interested in knowing how our lifespan journey affects us physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. You will learn how the life span journey is multidirectional, multidimensional, multidisciplinary, characterized by plasticity, and multicontextual. The presentation will also include information about successfully adapting to changes at each stage of the lifespan journey and thriving well into the last stage of the journey.
Nov. 9: Adventures in Cognitive Aging presented by Diane Vance, Ph.D.
This presentation explores the normal, age-related changes in cognitive abilities. We will outline the typical changes you can expect and briefly explain their biological basis. Then we will discuss ways to distinguish normal cognitive aging from more serious issues. The talk will conclude with a discussion of evidence-based strategies for maintaining brain health, while also identifying common misconceptions and fraudulent claims in the marketplace.
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Kudos to members of Church of the Nativity, Maysville. They donated 82 lbs of canned fruit to the Mason County Food Bank in September. The church's ministry started several years ago when a volunteer mentioned that canned fruit was rarely donated to the food bank. Our donations are usually taken monthly to the food bank.
| | Members of Good Shepherd, Lexington worked this week on an all-women Habitat for Humanity build. They are grateful for the opportunity. #WomenBuild | | Grace United, Lexington hosted "Tuesday Talks," a time for community members to come out, enjoy breakfast and fellowship, and get to know other families in the Millcreek community through their Tates Creek Community Student Outreach program. Students are encouraged to bring family members. On Tuesday evening, members of Grace United, Lexington connected with their neighbors at a local apartment complex. | | |
For the love of animals and creation: pet blessings abound. Our churches across the diocese held Blessing of the animals services this month in honor of the Feast of St. Francis. We're loving this collage from Trinity, Covington!
If you have pet blessing photos from your congregation you'd like to share, please send them to goodnews@diolex.org.
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Fall edition of Elm & Branches magazine! | |
Be on the lookout—the fall issue of Elm & Branches is slated to arrive in mid-October! In addition to copies sent to households, each faith community will receive extra copies to place in the narthex, include in visitor packets, or share with neighbors and friends. Be on the lookout and spread the word. A digital edition will also be available.
This issue features a tribute section to Andy and Cindy Sigmon, updates on the bishop search, and stories about DioLex faith communities and individuals sharing the Good News of Christ in word and deed!
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Convention Eucharist: All are welcome to attend the convention eucharist, which will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 at St. Paul’s, 7 Court Place, Newport. If you’re a musician interested in participating in the eucharist, contact Christopher Koon.
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Celebration of Andy & Cindy Sigmon: The diocese is hosting a “picnic banquet” on Friday evening, Nov. 14, at the Newport Aquarium. Guests may register to attend by clicking here (select the non-deputy option, then banquet-only). Cost: $50 per person. The event will have a Domain camp vibe, with comfort food, singing, and (weather permitting) games.
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Volunteers: If you would like to volunteer for convention to help with hospitality and arrangements, please email pauls.church@fuse.net.
Deputies and faith community leaders received an email Sept. 30 with more details. You can also visit the convention page for information, including registration links and FAQs.
| | In our diocesan cycle, we pray for: | | Shareable Social Media Assets | | Download this graphic to use on Facebook. | | CHURCHWIDE FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES | | Facing the Shadow: An Exploration of Personal Healing and Collective Responsibility: Episcopal Divinity School is offering a six-week virtual course, led by Dr. Catherine Meeks, Founding Executive Director and Chief Midwife of the Turquoise and Lavender Institute. The course runs Oct. 16-Nov. 20 on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. EST. Learn more and register. | | |
Stewardship resources: "Tell Out My Soul" is a stewardship campaign developed by TENS (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship). Based on Year C in the lectionary cycle, the package includes seasonal reflections, pledge cards, and other materials, available in English and Spanish.
DioLex has a subscription to TENS, so these materials (which are behind a paywall) can be accessed by our faith communities. If you'd like the password, email Melanie Yankey. Learn more.
| | Awe & Presence Conference: How do beauty and liturgy shape us for life with God? What does the beauty of the liturgy have to do with “real” life? Sponsored by the Living Church magazine, this three-day event will be held Nov. 6-8 at the Church of St. Michael & St. George, in Clayton, Missouri. It will feature engaging talks, shared meals, and corporate worship at the church, with an optional film screening in the city on Saturday evening. You're invited to attend and explore how the sacraments and sacred rhythms, illuminated by the riches of art, literature, music, and history, draw us into the transforming presence of the One who is true, good, and beautiful. Learn more and register. | | |
FREE Workshops from Episcopal Parish Network (EPN):
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Shared Calling: Cultivating Connection Between Episcopal Schools and Parishes, Oct. 15
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AI & the Future of Episcopal Ministry: Living Case Studies in Sacred Innovation, Oct.16
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From Sanctuary to Security: Practical Tools for Faith-Based Safety Planning, Oct. 20
All webinars are held at 3 p.m. ET. Learn more and register.
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Stay in the Know!
We have lots of news and exciting stories to share, particularly with our strategic plan initiatives and the announcement by Bishop Mark of his retirement in 2026. We'll post updates on these pages:
Episcopal Transition
Diocesan Strategic Plan
Convention
| | CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT IDEAS FOR THE OCTOBER 29 NEWSLETTER. | | |
Please use this address for written communications:
P.O. Box 610, Lexington, KY 40588-0610
Our physical office address is: 225 Walton Avenue, Suite 120, Lexington, KY 40502
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