The Episcopal Diocese of

North Dakota



Click here to view this Newsletter as Webpage.

Welcome to our email Newsletter!

A highlight from this issue:

• 2024 Diocesan Convention Recap
• Presiding Bishop-Elect's Investiture - November 2, 2024
• NDEF Grant Applications
• Advent Resource
• Election Night Virtual Prayers

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!

Journeying Together:

Embracing Change, Preserving Identity

On Saturday, everyone present worshiped at Grace in Jamestown. The clergy of the diocese were invited to vest and process in.

Pictured from Left to Right

Row 1: The Rev. Mary Johnson, The Rev. Robert Hoekstra, The Rev. Dn. Sloane Floberg, The Rev. Dn. Hellen Lodu, The Rev. Dn. Terry Overbo, The Rev. Dn. Melissa Post van der Burg

Row 2: The Very Rev. Mark Strobel, The Rev. Dn. Elsie Magnus, The Rev. Dn. Barb Olson, The Rev. Dr. John Floberg

Row 3: The Rev. Dn. John Anderson, The Rev. Harvey Henderson, The Rev. Dn. Beth Lipp, The Rt. Rev. Brian Thom, Jackie Sather (crucifer), The Rev. Kim Fox, The Rev. Lindsey Dwarf, The Rev. Bart Davis

There will be more pictures in upcoming Prairie editions and on our Facebook page.

Election Results:

• Convention Secretary: Sandy Holbrook; St. Stephen's, Fargo
• Standing Committee, Clergy (3-yr term): The Rev. John Floberg; Standing Rock
• Standing Committee, Lay (3-yr term): Tyrrell DeCoteau; St. Sylvan's, Dunseith
• Diocesan Council, West Region (3-yr term): Karilee Lieberman; St. Paul's, White Shield & The Rev. Lindsey Dwarf; St. Luke's, Ft. Yates
• Diocesan Council, West Region (2-yr term): Raphael DeCoteau; St. Sylvan's, Dunseith
• Diocesan Council, East Region (3-yr term): Jael Mogga; St. John the Divine, Moorhead & Amy Phillips; St. Stephen's, Fargo

Budget:

• The 2025 proposed budget was approved at the business session on Saturday, October 26th. The adjusted budget is available on our website, along with the budget narrative.

Evaluation Forms:

• Don't forget to turn in your evaluation form. We will be drawing three lucky winners.
• Winners will be announced in the Prairie, make sure you are subscribed!
• Click here for the digital registration form.
• Evaluation forms need to be turned in by TODAY (November 1st) to be entered in the drawing!

Bishop's Address:

• Bishop Thom's Friday night Bishop's Address is available on our Convention website to view, or click on the box below.
• A print copy of his address will be available in the 2024 Advent Sheaf.

Investiture of Presiding

Bishop-Elect Sean Rowe

Who: Everyone is invited! You can watch individually or as part of a watch party. As of right now there will be watch parties at:

• Grace, Jamestown
• St. Stephen's, Fargo
• St. George's, Bismarck

What: The Episcopal Church will officially welcome the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe as its 28th presiding bishop with a smaller, simpler investiture service aimed at reducing carbon footprint and increasing churchwide virtual participation.   

When: Nov. 2, with a prelude featuring a “roll call” of dioceses starting at 8:30 a.m. Central. The service itself starts at 10 a.m. Central. 

Where: The service will be livestreamed on the event webpage and on The Episcopal Church’s Facebook page. A recording will be posted and distributed after the service. 

You can find copies of Bishop Rowe's biography, headshot, sermons, articles, and more on the event webpage.

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.

Pictures from Bp. Brian's Travels

Around the Diocese

Advent Resource

It's not too late to order this Advent resource, featuring our own The Rev. Kim Fox. Click here to order the devotional.

There is also a brief interview with Kim and another Advent meditation author. Click here for the interview!

Join Election Night

Virtual Prayers

Everyone is invited to join Election Night Virtual Prayers hosted by The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations from 8 to 10 p.m. Nov. 5. Bishop Sean Rowe, who will become Presiding Bishop on Nov. 1, will offer an opening reflection and prayer. Episcopalians from around the church will hold silence and lead participants in prayers together for peace, the nation, and all people and countries.

Join the event via Zoom by registering here, or watch a livestream on The Episcopal Public Policy Network’s Facebook page. (Note: If you would like simultaneous Spanish interpretation, please register for Zoom.) 

ELECTION RESOURCES

In addition, explore these election engagement resources online from the Office of Government Relations:

• “Vote Faithfully” toolkit: Instructions and resources for local “get out the vote” strategies
• Church bulletin inserts and graphics
• Episcopal Election Activators: Volunteer program to promote nonpartisan election engagement
• “Episco-pols” podcast
• Resources on addressing political violence
• Civil discourse training
• “Misinformation, Disinformation, Fake News: Why Do We Care?”

A Joyful Celebration

On September 29, St. George's celebrated the anniversary of their current church building with an outdoor procession that included carrying the flags led by the cross while the choir and congregation chanted Hallelujah.

Throughout the service there was celebratory music with guest organist Scott Houser along with pianist David Sorenson. Special music was provided by cellist Traci Juhala and St. George's choir.

A presentation of the building history was prepared and give by their historian, Tom Tudor.

A wonderful reception was hosted by Shirel and her faithful reception team.

Annual Pet Blessing

Each year, St. George's Episcopal Church hosts its beloved Annual Pet Blessing, a heartwarming event that brings together community members and their pets for a special day of gratitude and reverence. The service was inspired by the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, whose teachings highlight a deep connection with nature and all living creatures.

On October 6th, the church grounds came alive with the joyful presence of dogs, cats, and a hedgehog to gather with their humans to receive a blessing. The service began with a brief liturgy, followed by individual blessings, where Pastor Steve recognized and prayed over each animal.

The Annual Pet Blessing celebrated love, faith, and the sacred bond between humans and animals—a tradition cherished by St. George's Episcopal Church and the community year after year. Finally, all monetary donations and dog/cat treats were gifted to Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue.