View as Webpage

SpiritBound Digital Ministry Awarded Seed Grant



The Episcopal Church's 80th General Convention authorized the Task Force on Church Planting and Congregational Redevelopment to continue establishing and strengthening new Episcopal communities, including through the distribution of grants to new and existing church plants.

“I am giving thanks for the incredible amount of energy and momentum our call for New Episcopal Community grant applications garnered in this triennium,” said the Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers, staff officer for church planting. “In addition to funding brand new communities, Executive Council also provided a path for these grants to help several existing churches start new multicultural communities. This intentional, open-hearted work really feels like the key to a vibrant church future.”

In addition to funding, the presiding bishop’s Office of Church Planting and Redevelopment offers leadership discernment, training, and coaching resources for New Episcopal Community leaders. 

St. Peter's Intergenerational Service and Advent Celebration

On Sunday, December 3rd (the first Sunday in Advent), St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry held an Intergenerational Family Service with a children's sermon and fun, family-oriented activities. The congregation celebrated the 12 Days of Christmas in a whole new way with family-friendly take-home crafts and reading material! There were two give-away drawings for family-appropriate, seasonal gifts to share during the holidays.

Film Screening: A Case for Love

January 23 in theaters

A Case for Love is a documentary inspired by Bishop Michael Curry's 2018 sermon on "The Power of Love," that explores whether unselfish love can heal societal divisions in the U.S. Through interviews and diverse stories, viewers are prompted to form their own verdict on the matter.

Julia Chester Emery Feast Day Celebration

Tuesday, January 9

7 p.m.

January 9 is the feast day of Julia Chester Emery, founder of the United Thank Offering, and this year we are celebrating the life and ministry of Miss Julia with Kristen Wheeler of Ministry of the Saints: Modern Iconography. Kristen created one of the Julia Chester Emery Icons (shown here) that has become beloved by UTO members. As part of her process of creating the icon, Kristen spent time researching, praying, and reflecting on the life and work of Julia Chester Emery. She’ll join us to share more about her process of creating the icon, the symbols found in it, and about her research into Miss Julia.

Weekday Morning Prayer: Meet God early in the Morning in Silence and/or in Spoken Prayer

Weekdays; 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Zoom

Curious about the Book of Common Prayer, a.k.a. the prayer book? Curious about silent meditation in the Christian tradition? This offering is for you!

SpiritBound Digital Mission ministry partner, the Rev. Duncan Hilton, invites any and all to join him at 5:30 a.m. for Centering Prayer and/or at 6:00 a.m. for Morning Prayer from the prayer book. People can show up for one or both sessions on any given day and no long-term commitment is required to visit.

SpiritBound is thrilled to welcome this offering through Friday, Dec. 22nd!

Check out an online copy of the Book of Common Prayer here. The service of Daily Morning Prayer: Rite Two is located under "The Daily Office" in the table of contents.

Visit the Rev. Duncan Hilton's website for the Zoom information and more details or contact the Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen with questions.

2024 Forma Annual Conference: Radically Hybrid

January 22–25, 2024

Hybrid

This year, Forma is taking inspiration from Isaiah 43:19: “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (ESV). Forma leaders are working with Learning Forte to design and pilot an entirely new model of Forma Conference. Our goal with this “radically hybrid” model is to offer church leaders accessible, high quality professional development without sacrificing the ability to connect with colleagues in meaningful ways.

Mission Resources Grant: Accessibility Grants 

Accessibility is a challenge for churches in older buildings, and although they are exempt from the ADA, it is important to be welcoming to people of all abilities. Churches need funding as well as education and awareness of the issues and possible solutions. Grants will be available up to $2,000 to any church that completes the Accessibility Assessment Form. After the Assessment is completed, the church will set goals and create a plan to begin making upgrades to become more accessible.  

Applications with completed assessments are accepted on a rolling basis beginning December 1, 2023. These grants will be paid in the order received beginning January 3, 2024, until budgeted funds are exhausted.

Save these dates below! For the full events calendar, click .

DECEMBER

24 Bishop's Visitation: Christmas Eve service with Bishop Rob: Church of the Good Shepherd, Nashua, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Dec 25-Jan 1 Diocesan Office Closed

JANUARY

7 Bishop's Visitation: Church of St. John the Evangelist, Dunbarton

14 Bishop's Visitation: Emmanuel Church, Ashland

23: Screening of A Case for Love in theaters

FEBRUARY

4 Bishop's Visitation: St. Thomas’ Church, Dover 

11 Bishop's Visitation: Grace Church, Concord 

18 Bishop's Visitation: St. Peter’s Church, Londonderry 

Please note that the diocesan office will be closed from December 25–January 1.

Do you have a story to submit to The Vine? We love sharing fun, inspirational, and mission-driven stories with the whole diocese. We'd love to hear from you!

Welcome to The Vine!

If you have received this email as a forwarded message from a friend, please click below to subscribe.