Small Church Voices Newsletter

From the Iona Collaborative

It's been an exciting summer for the Episcopal Church, and here at the Iona Collaborative, we are still celebrating all the amazing small-church leaders we got to meet at the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church. From lay and clergy deputies to volunteers, to folks working in the exhibit hall, small church energy was big in Louisville. Thanks to all of you who came by our booth to take a selfie with us and share your stories.

We came home encouraged by your prophetic witness to the power of small and by the wider Church's recognition of your critical importance in this era of rapid social and institutional change. In his post-election address to the House of Deputies, Presiding Bishop-Elect, Sean Rowe, called for a greater commitment of "churchwide resources" to "congregations on the ground where ministry happens." That's you. We give thanks to God for your faithfulness, creativity, resourcefulness, and grit. And we look forward to many years of partnering with you to support your vital ministries.

The Rev. Nandra Perry, PhD

Executive Director, Iona Collaborative

Please forward this newsletter widely and send us your own stories about the power of small.

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81st General Convention

June 23-28 || Louisville, KY

What a joy to celebrate the next chapter of the Episcopal Church with so many of you at General Convention! Along with our colleagues at Seminary of the Southwest, Iona hosted a booth in the exhibit hall with giveaways, information, and space to catch up with our "Locally Grown" Iona grads and friends!

Ministry Spotlight: Elizabeth Graham

Last month, the Rev. Elizabeth Graham became the first female rector in the history of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Pascagoula, MS, and she was installed by the Rev. Dorothy Sanders Wells, the first woman and first Black person to be elected Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi (elected Feb. 3, 2024). A graduate of the Iona Collaborative, Graham’s installation was the day after the parish hosted a screening of The Philadelph ia Eleven, a film about the first women to be ordained priests in the Episcopal Church 50 years ago.

“I never expected to be here,” Graham said. “I was going to be a Bi-Vocational, non-stipendiary priest.”

Featured Resource: Podcast

Emperors, bishops, monks, riots - and that Creed you hear on Sunday mornings. Join the Rev. Ben Wyatt in a fascinating account of Christ, creed, and controversy in the turbulent 4th century. From our friends at Earth & Altar.

Click here or on the image for

Episode 2: Exclusive & Flourishing

The Church of the 3rd Century

Reflect, Experiment, and Dream at This Year's Living Waters Conference!

Iona Collaborative's Programs Director, Rebecca Hall, will be a panelist and will offer a workshop. Register today for networking opportunities, shared resources, and fellowship.

Living Waters Website

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