Photos: (A) Leadership from Iowa attends College of Congregational Development in July, photo from E. Duff Popplewell; (B) Episco-PRIDE Team from Christ Church, Cedar Rapids attends CR Pride July 2025; (C) Several Episcopal churches in the northwest region gather for a Sunday worship service at Lake Cornelia; (D) Episco-PRIDE Team from St. John's Mason City attending Mason City Pride July 2025. | | |
Bishop's Upcoming Visitations:
- Aug. 24: St. Alban's, Spirit Lake
- Aug. 31: Grace, Charles City
- Sept. 7: St. John's, Mason City
- Sept. 21: St. John's, Dubuque
- Sept. 28: St. Paul's Indian Mission, Sioux City
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Dear siblings in Christ,
As summer is turning (more quickly than I anticipated!) into fall, and as students are beginning a new school year and churches often beginning a new program year, I’m thinking about those changes that happen, not just as the months progress, but as the years progress.
Change of any kind can be difficult, or even frightening. Still, we can learn to be brave, as Bishop Mariann Budde wrote about in her recent book, How We Learn to be Brave. Being brave isn’t about having no fear: it is about courage in the face of fear, about learning to step forward into the unknown even when we are afraid. It is about Courageous Faith, our theme for this year.
At this time of change throughout our church and our world, we are called to...
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Transitions
- New Song, Coralville - has called the Rev. Jim Harrison to serve as their priest in charge beginning on August 1. The Rev. Jane Stewart’s last Sunday and retirement celebration will be on September 7.
- Trinity, Iowa City - celebrated the Rev. Nora Boerner’s first Sunday serving as their new rector on August 3.
- St. Paul's, Durant - has called Pastor Rodney Underwood as their priest in charge alongside Gloria Dei ELCA. He begins with them September 1. St. Paul’s will say goodbye and celebrate the Rev. Alice Haugen’s time with them on August 24th.
- St. Thomas', Sioux City - will celebrate the Rev. Stacey Gerhart’s retirement on August 31.
- Trinity Cathedral, Davenport - will say goodbye and celebrate their interim dean, Rev. Christopher Potter, on September 28th before he returns to California.
| | Upcoming Events & Opportunities | | | |  | Episco-PRIDE teams from Trinity, Waterloo & St. Luke's, Cedar Falls will be at Cedar Valley Pride this weekend, letting everyone know that they are beloved and made in God's image. Stop by their booth and say hi! Check out the webpage to learn more about events and this important ministry. | | Learn about what's going on around the diocese. All are welcome; diocesan convention delegates & any in congregational leadership roles (clergy, vestry, wardens, communications, treasurer, etc.) are especially encouraged to attend. Register to receive the Zoom link. | | | | | | | Small groups walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. Register by Sept. 1. To register and receive the Zoom link contact Ruth Ratliff at ruthratliff52@gmail.com. | | In need of a peaceful, restorative, free retreat? Experience calm, prayerful movement, singing bowls and healing sounds, and seated breathwork, led by the Rev. Dr. Catherine Quehl-Engel. Sponsored by the Behavioral Health Ministry Team & the Caring Conversations Team at Christ. Register by Sept. 1st. | | | | | | | Nominations and service can be a blessing to both the church family and the individuals! Read some Iowa Episcopalians’ reflections on their experiences of discovery, joy, gratitude, and faith that is deepened through their participation on a Diocesan Committee or Board. Whom will you nominate? | | |
Come together to share about your life in small churches with others from across the Province. There are many
things small churches have in common and they are each unique. During these informal hours, we aim to build and strengthen relationships across this province, and topics come from the group.
| | | | | | | Pathways to Serenity is for people in recovery from chemical dependency and those who love them. Pathways is a spiritual retreat, and people of any faith and those seeking faith are invited. Our primary focus is the spiritual path known as the 12 Steps, and participants are free to create their own retreat experience. | | Grounded in The Episcopal Church's commitment to dismantling racism as essential to our formation as Christians, this ONLINE training is open to all, and it is required of all lay and ordained leaders in The Episcopal Church (including vestries, search committees, diocesan leadership, etc.). | | | | | | | Join the Behavioral Health Ministry Team (BHMT) on Zoom for their 3rd Tuesday of the month Lunch & Learns. September will feature President & CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Health, Central Iowa. Check back on BHMT's webpage for regstration information. | | You are invited on a journey of discovery aboard an Underground Railroad (UGRR) pilgrimage - a journey exploring sites and history of the UGRR in SE Iowa and a journey within ourselves. Register by September 22, 10 spots are available. Download a flyer to share here. | | | | | | |
Iowa Episcopal clergy - save the date for your annual retreat, to be held at Creighton University Retreat Center in Griswold, Iowa. This year's retreat theme is “Prophetic Leadership in a Contemplative Age.” You'll receive more information later via email. | | 6th -8th graders are participants; 9th -12th graders serve as staff/ leadership. This is an opportunity for young people to "retreat" from their ever hectic world to consider some of the important relationships in their lives -- with themselves, friends, families, and God, through skits, videos, activities & worship. | | | | | | | The 2025-2026 youth events calendar is up and ready for you to see! There's programming for all different youth age groups and we hope you will join us at one of our many events. So check it out, and get these events on your calendar today. | | |
There's a whole section all about this year's Diocesan Convention below, so keep scrolling! | | | | |
Lots more below -
make sure you see it all!
The last section is "Stay Connected" - if you don't see it,
CLICK HERE -> "View as Webpage" to view the full enews
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Raymond Receives Award
Congratulations to Rev. Sue Ann Raymond, deacon of St James Episcopal Church, who was awarded a St. Stephen's award by the Association for Episcopal Deacons (AED)!
Raymond received this award for "demonstrating a deep commitment to the special ministry of servanthood following the practice of St. Stephen … by making Christ’s redemptive love known through your word and example, to those among whom you live and work.” (- The Rev. Kristi Neal, AED President)
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Book Talk August 30
Join Trinity Cathedral (Davenport) for a book talk with M. Wolff, who explores Sally Gross, a South African intersex priest and activist. "Body Problems" highlights Gross’s contributions to Intersex South Africa and the ANC while examining her diverse spiritual background, including Judaism, Christianity, and Buddhism. The book invites readers to rethink bodies and belonging in relation to gender and religion, using Gross's life to assess commitments to social justice and responsible relationships. It offers valuable insights into the medical, religious, and political constructions of bodies.
| | | Facilitators: the Rev. Stephen Benitz, Regional Missioner of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, and Becky Elsbernd, Parish Nurse of Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City. | |
November Pilgrimage
An inner pilgrimage experience to step away from your routines into a way of being that supports listening and letting go. Designed to be intentional time to connect with God through silence, prayer and scripture. We will explore spiritual practices, participate in the prayer rhythm of the monastic monks, and allow for quiet alone time.Cost $300 - includes single room with private bathroom, transportation from Mason City, IA, and meals. Partial scholarships available. Register and pay a $150 deposit to save your spot.
For more information or to reserve your spot contact: Becky Elsbernd: becky.elsbernd@trinity-mc.org
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Celebrate Creation Care in Iowa
From September 1 - October 4 many Christians observe “The Season of Creation,” a time to celebrate and highlight work to restore what God has given us in the natural world. The Episcopal Church takes part in this observation, and we want to give thanks in our diocese for what Iowa congregations have done, or are doing, in ministry as stewards of the earth.
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We would love to hear your stories on environmental projects, events, liturgies, you name it, that tend or lift up God’s creation.
Send yours to Rob Hogg at senatorrobhogg@gmail.com. We plan on celebrating these in the newsletter in the next couple of months. No project is too small for us to rejoice over! Photos are welcome as well!
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And mark your calendar for Sept 23rd at 7PM for a Zoom conversation with the Rev. Jenn Latham, formerly of our diocese and now in service in the Diocese of Hawaii.
Jenn has been very involved in Creation Care in Hawaii, and will share some of the projects they have taken up. Register for the Zoom meeting HERE.
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Additional Resources:
- There are all kinds of great resources for Creation Care and The Season of Creation on the diocesan web page HERE.
- Share your eco-projects with the Iowa Faith and Climate Network HERE
- Church-wide season of creation resources: click HERE
- Bishop Monnot has approved the use of this Creation Care resource created for The Episcopal Church: click HERE
Almighty and Everliving God, you bring forth and sustain every living thing; help us grow in compassion and care for the multitude of your creatures, that we may see them not as objects for our use, but as brothers and sisters that sing your never-ending praise. Through Jesus Christ, our Shepherd and guide, who with you and the Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever.
-- Rob Hogg & Wendy Abrahamson
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Christian Climate Training
Concerned about climate issues? Join Christian Climate Training 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. CT Sept. 27
The Episcopal Church is partnering with Blessed Tomorrow and eight other Christian denominations to offer online training for people of faith ready to respond to the climate crisis with hope, courage, and action.
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You're invited to attend this year's Diocesan Convention!
Diocesan Convention is more than just a business meeting - we seek to deepen our connection as one diocese to transform ourselves, our communities, and the world for Christ. Through worship, intentional connection, and some essential business, we'll spend the weekend "Together in Christ" and have some fun along the way. Whether you attend as a delegate or a visitor, we'll be very glad to have you join us for our 173rd Diocesan Convention this November in Des Moines.
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Come join in and:
- Be inspired by our Keynote Speaker and Pre-Convention workshop leader: the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Mae Magill
- Connect and build relationships with others from your church and around the diocese
- Ground yourself in worship and spiritual practices
- Learn about our ministry and mission as a diocese
- Serve as a delegate to have a voice and vote in diocesan leadership elections, resolutions, the budget, and more
- Celebrate and dance along with our live DJ to close out the Saturday night banquet (don't worry - no actual dance skills required!)
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Pre-Convention Friday Workshop
Presented by: The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Mae Magill
God is at work in your community. Some of that work happens in Church; some is elsewhere. A practical workshop on how to find where God is locally, and how to join in the work. Plan to work with your congregation on steps to be present to the neighbors outside your doors.
Learn more, including how to attend, HERE.
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Certify Your Delegates by Sept. 15
The Clerk, Rector, or Warden of a church fills out the certification form online for their delegates and any visitors they wish to pay for. Certification is different than registration - all individuals attending Convention register themselves.
In case you missed it, all "how-to certify" information can be found HERE.
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Pre-Convention Hearings
Hearings are an opportunity to learn and ask questions about the budget and resolutions that will be brought to the convention floor. These hearings not only provide valuable time for discussion, but they also help us keep on-floor discussion time during convention to a manageable amount, as many questions can be answered ahead of time during these hearings. All delegates are expected to attend, and everyone is welcome.
Learn more about how to attend HERE.
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Children & Youth
Childcare will be provided for children 0 - 3rd grade at the Marriott, if requested. Childcare requests need to be made by October 9, 2025; if no one requests childcare by then it will not be available.
Lock-in: for youth 4th - 8th grade, whose parents/guardians are attending Convention.
Youth Delegation & Visitors at Convention: 9-12th grade; must be 16+ and confirmed. Registration coming soon.
More info on the above items and their corresponding registration forms are HERE.
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Register by Oct. 17
Registration is open! Whether you're a delegate or a visitor, attending all or some of Convention weekend, everyone needs to register themselves.
Learn more and register HERE.
EVERYONE PLANNING ON ATTENDING MUST REGISTER AND PAY BY OCT. 17 - NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED; NO REFUNDS FOR CANCELLATIONS ON OR AFTER THIS DATE.
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Important Deadlines
September 9:
- Nominations Due
- Resolutions Due
- Reports to Convention Due
September 15:
- Certification of Delegates Deadline
October 9:
- Deadline to request childcare
- Necrology Due
October 17:
Registration & Payment Deadline:
- Last day to register to attend Convention
- Payment deadline for registrations unless special arrangements have been agreed upon
- Youth Delegates & Visitors Registration Deadline
- Youth Lock-In Registration Deadline
- Hotel Deadline: Last day to to book Marriott hotel room at the group rate
- No refunds for cancellations on or after this date
| | From Mind & Spirit Counseling Center | | | |
UTO Grants Open
In 2026, the grant focus is inspired by a C.S. Lewis quote and Amos 5:24: “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Applications must demonstrate how two disconnected groups will collaborate on a project that works toward meaningful change within a local community.
Individuals & churches that are interested in applying for a 2026 UTO grant should notify Bishop Monnot who will want to receive all applications/ proposals by December 15, 2025, at officeofthebishop@iowaepiscopal.org
| | | | | Project Resource equips stewardship teams with strategic training and flexible resources to design and execute annual stewardship campaigns which can be replicated and adapted in future years. Project Resource is dedicated to fostering cultural and systemic advancements around stewardship as a ministry. | | |
ENews Submissions:
Content is due the 2nd Thursday of the month and submission information can be found here. This eNewsletter comes out monthly on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
| | | Caution! About Unsubscribing | | | If you click "Unsubscribe" below it removes you from ALL diocesan emails (including the e-news, letters from the Bishop, Convention information, etc.) and our office cannot re-subscribe you. You'll need to re-subscribe yourself by clicking on "start sending me the news!" at this link. If you wish to be taken off of a specific email list or have questions, email diocese@iowaepiscopal.org. Also use caution when forwarding this e-newsletter as anyone clicking this link can also unsubscribe YOU, so consider deleting the unsubscribe links before you forward this to anyone | | | | | |
