The Episcopal Diocese of

North Dakota



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Welcome to our email Newsletter!

A highlight from this issue:

• Call for the Election of a Bishop Diocesan
• 2024 Diocesan Convention: October 25-26, 2024 - REGISTRATION OPEN!
• UTO Grant Application Information

Read on for other announcements and the calendar!

Did you miss a copy of the Prairie? The past four editions of the bi-monthly Prairie are now online! Click the button below to be taken to the webpage!

Call for the Election of a Bishop Diocesan

On behalf of the Diocesan Council and the Standing Committee, it is my happy duty to call for the election of a

Bishop Diocesan

for the Diocese of North Dakota.

In consultation of the Presiding Bishop’s Office of Pastoral Development, the Standing Committee is prepared to begin its organization of Search and Transition Committees, which should result in the election of the Diocese’s next bishop by early fall of 2025. This election could occur as a special event or be held during the 55^th Annual Convention. 

This past June, your Diocesan Council made the prayerful and bold decision to begin steps toward the calling of Bishop Diocesan. A consultation with Bishop Todd Ousley of the Office of Pastoral Development during the September Council at All Saints, Minot, provided the outline of an episcopal search. At that same meeting, the Council projected the 2026 budget necessary to support this renewed ministry.

The XII Bishop Diocesan will be consecrated in North Dakota, likely early 2026, after receiving the consents of the House of Bishops and the Standing Committees of the Episcopal Church.

For the thorough and joyful work of the Standing, Search, and Transition Committees, I join you in prayer for the Spirit-led discernment that awaits them.

It is my honor to share this journey with you,

+Brian

The Rt. Rev. Brian Thom

Bishop Provisional 

Journeying Together:

Embracing Change, Preserving Identity

When: October 25-26, 2024

Where: Jamestown, ND

What: 54th Annual Diocesan Convention

Next steps

• Mark your calendar
• Turn in registration form(s)
• Book hotel room(s)
• Read through the 10/01/2024 Pre-Convention Packet
• Figure out church identity display

Calling all Congregations Participating in the 54th Diocesan Convention!

We invite you to share something special that represents your congregation's heart! Whether it's a unique ministry, a cherished tradition, or a meaningful recipe, please bring something representing your community's spirit.

We look forward to celebrating the diversity and gifts of our Episcopal family together!

Once your church has figured out their identity piece, please email the Dicoesan Office. This way we can help churches think through how they are going to display their piece.

Nominations

We are in need of Nominations for the following positions:

• Treasurer (elected yearly)
• Convention Secretary (elected yearly)
• Standing Committee Clergy Member (3-year term)
• Standing Committee Lay Member (3-year term)
• 2 East Region Council Members (3-year term)
• 2 West Region Council Members (3-year term)

Fill out the Nomination form and submit to the Diocesan Office to be included in our Pre-Convention materials!

Display Tables

Have a fun and interesting ministry somewhere in the Diocese? We have space for Display Tables at Convention. Email the Diocesan Office if you would like to have a table at Convention!

A New House

Kim and Robert Fox just closed on their first (Bishop-approved!) home together in Minot. It is 115 years old, with original woodwork, but foundation was redone after the flood. Their new address is: 115 6th Street SE. 

September 2024 Diocesan Council Recap

On September 20th and 21st the Diocesan Council met in Minot at All Saints Episcopal Church for an in-person meeting.  

There were two primary goals for the meeting: 

1. to recommend a 2025 budget and a 2026 proposed budget to the Convention, and 
2. to hear about and discuss the process and steps to electing a Full-time Bishop Diocesan of North Dakota with Bishop Todd Ousley from the national church.

The meeting began on Friday with a meal, a time of devotion, and then the discussion began with a presentation from Bishop Todd Ousley about the steps and process of electing a full-time Bishop for North Dakota. There are many steps in the process:

• creating a profile of the diocese
• expectations and job description of a full-time Bishop of North Dakota
• creating a Search Committee and Transition Committee in collaboration with the Standing Committee
• understanding the various steps in the 15 to 18-month timeline from the decision to elect a full-time Bishop until their installation
• the costs of a search and the budgetary considerations for salary, benefits, and travel costs

After the discussion, the Standing Committee met and returned to the full meeting with a recommendation to the Bishop that we move forward with the process so that we can elect a full-time Bishop Diocesan.

After these discussions on Friday, we spent considerable time looking at the proposed budgets for 2025 and 2026 as created by the Finance Committee. With our discussion of the expenses related to electing a new Bishop, the Diocesan Council approved a 2025 budget and a proposed 2026 budget to be brought to the Convention in October. The goal was to make sure to have a balanced budget for both years including the projected costs of a new Bishop along with the various other Diocesan staff required to be effective as a diocese.

Submitted by,

Jason Thoms

St. Paul's, White Shield UTO Grant

As part of the United Thank Offering grant in creation care/environmental reparations for St. Paul's, White Shield, a booklet comparing Arikara and Episcopal spirituality was produced, with text by Robert Fox, with Kim Fox. Artwork by Inaani Fox, Robert's daughter. A display copy will be available for perusal at Convention, with additional copies to be made available to pilgrims to the prayer path, once it is dedicated by next summer. 

UTO Grant Applications

Greetings church families!

The below link contains information from UTO and the national church about the grants and grant process for this year. As mentioned the 2025 grant focus is water, based on Jesus' words, "I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink." There will also be online classes to assist with this process. It will be good information and help if you are thinking about or planning on applying for a grant.

Our Rev. Kim Fox is on the UTO National Board now and will also be evaluating and assisting with the grants. She will also be writing the liturgy booklet for next year!

Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can help.

ALSO, I received my first text today for the current gratitude season. If you haven't done so yet, please sign up! We can all be thankful together!

Thanks for all you do!

With gratitude,

Mary Massad

Email Mary

North Dakota Episcopal Foundation: Applications Open for 2024 Grants

The North Dakota Episcopal Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2024 grant cycle. This is an opportunity for parishes and organizations within in the Diocese to secure funding for their projects/initiatives. Projects should be planned and ready to implement, although it is understood that at times some preliminary funding may be necessary for fully planning an effort

The application deadline is November 4, 2024.

Whether you have a bold new project or a vital initiative that needs additional support, we encourage you to apply. The Foundation is committed to funding programs that show strong connections to the Episcopal Church, which may include but are not limited to outreach to the community, youth ministry, theological education. 

To review the guidelines, please visit our website at https://www.ndepiscopal.org/ndef/ where you will find the application form and instructions.



Together, let’s continue to make a positive impact within our communities and the world.

Young Adult Retreat

When: November 1-3, 2024

Where: Badlands Ministries, Medora ND

Who: College students and young adults aged 18-24 years 

What: A weekend of spiritual renewal in the badlands! Grow in faith through intentional conversations, community and fellowship, and guided activities to engage all our senses. This retreat will feature guest speaker, Pastor Rachel Simonson, Lutheran Campus Ministry pastor at Minot State University. 

Registration: Free to attend! Simply fill out this online form

More information can be found at 2024 Young Adult Retreat | Facebook