Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings who are the Episcopal Church in Northern Indiana!

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the Light for all people!

On Tuesday of this past week, I emailed the members of our Diocesan Council asking for their support in a feeding initiative that I would like to support because of the loss of SNAP and WIC benefits due to the government shutdown. So many of our faith communities in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana are engaged in an array of feeding initiatives from The Beacon Food Pantry outside the church at St. Anne's Warsaw to the CEMP Food Pantry at St. Timothy's Griffith to the Non-Food Pantry at St. Thomas / Santo Tomas Plymouth. The members of Diocesan Council indicated their support for this initiative. In addition to my explanation in the video, a form has been included that you are asked to complete and then email to me. Our intention is to support each of our faith communities who are engaged in these kinds of assistance ministries in your community. Our Missioner for Finance, Carol Bianchini, is in the office every Monday and will process the request and prepare a check to be sent to your faith community to support you in the ministry in your community. If you have any questions, please email or call me.

Thank you for the good work you do in caring for those in need in your community!

Every blessing,

Doug 

(he/him/his)

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks

VIII Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

Our 127th Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Northern Indiana is scheduled for Saturday 11/15 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Michigan City. We are thankful to Trinity for their willingness to host, especially since they have been challenged with some building repair issues and are without a priest-in-charge. We are excited to see their beautiful, grand facility. 

Business Meeting Notes (11/15)

We are pleased to welcome Mr. John Beatty, Diocesan Archivist, who will offer a presentation entitled "The Citadel: A History of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana, 1898-2026." John is passionate about our diocesan history and is excited to be presenting at the original location of the diocese, in Michigan City. There is a saying that goes something like "It's important to know where you come from so that you know where you are going." We had this sentiment firmly in mind when we asked John, almost a year ago, if he would be our keynote. We are looking forward to his unique perspective and wisdom.

Important details:

• Registration - 8 am CT / 9 am ET (at the entrance to Barker Hall, entrance off 6th St.)
• Holy Eucharist - 9 am CT / 10 am ET (in the church, entrance off Franklin St.)
• Business Meeting - 10:30 am CT / 11:30 am ET (also in the church)
• Nomination biographies for 2026 diocesan leadership (Thank you to the current nominees for their willingness to serve! Nominations may also be made from the floor with permission of the person being nominated.)
• The five linked resolutions (right side, scroll down) were pre-filed, along with one substitute resolution for D. 
• Guests, Retired clergy, and Non-parochial clergy may now sign-up to attend.
• Exhibitor sign-ups are also open.
• Please email Canon Michelle to request a vegetarian lunch for Saturday.
• All Committee and Ministry Reports, along with the Treasurer's Report, have been posted to the website.
• As an act of creation conservation, will you consider bringing your own coffee and/or water container? Coffee and water will be provided (of course!).
• As a courtesy to a fellow convention delegate - who has severe reactions to the chemicals used in lotions, perfumes, colognes - would you consider minimizing or not wearing any fragrances to diocesan convention? Thank you!
• Trinity does not have their own parking lot, however, there are more than 150 parking spots within a one block radius. Please consider parking a bit further away, as your mobility allows.

All Things Voting 

The Election Buddy electronic voting system will be used again this year for our convention voting needs. In order to vote you must have a cellular-enabled or wifi-ready device (cell phone, tablet, laptop) with access to the email we have have on file for you. We believe the wifi will be sufficient for all of us to use and it's always good to have a cellular device as a backup. This is our only voting mechanism. The email address used for this mailing will be used for your ballot access unless you let Missioner Michelle know otherwise.

Contact Missioner Michelle with any questions or suggestions. We can't wait to see you in Michigan City on 11/15!

Visit the convention webpage for additional information.

Episcopalians are invited to join a first-time churchwide Veterans Day Holy Eucharist service at 7 p.m. ET Nov. 11—via livestream or in person at the Church Center chapel in New York City—to honor those who have served in the military and specially recognize the Episcopal chaplains who support them.

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe will preside, and the Rt. Rev. Ann Ritonia, bishop suffragan for the church’s Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, will preach. The service will include a special “commissioning for further service” of chaplains who serve military veterans in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“For the first time, The Episcopal Church will gather for a churchwide Veterans Day service—a sacred and historic moment of gratitude and witness,” Ritonia said. “This event honors the courage and faithful service of our veterans and uplifts the ministry of Episcopalians who serve them in chaplaincy, care, and community.”

Next year marks the 250th anniversary of military chaplaincy within The Episcopal Church. The Rev. John Hurt, an Episcopal minister, began serving as a chaplain in the Continental army in 1776. Today, more than 100 Episcopal priests serve as chaplains across the Armed Forces, Veterans Administration medical centers, and federal correctional institutions.

The Veterans Day Service will include recorded readings from military veterans and personnel around the world; prayers written by veterans; music from the Washington National Cathedral; and more.

“This service marks a new chapter in our commitment to walk with veterans—not only in remembrance, but in enduring relationship and hope,” Ritonia said. “If you have a veteran in your life, I encourage you to share about this service and invite them to maybe watch it with you.”

The livestream—from the Chapel of Christ the Lord at 815 Second Ave. in New York City—will air on The Episcopal Church’s website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel. Those interested in attending in person can register online here.

Information provided by The Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs.

Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Community at Miami Correctional Facility

On October 27, clergy, church leaders, and people of faith once again gathered outside Miami Correctional Facility for a public prayer vigil in support of the immigrant community and in lament for the immigrant detention system. This was the first prayer vigil since the federal government began holding detainees at the state prison.

The next prayer vigil at the Miami Correctional Facility is scheduled for Monday, November17 at 2 p.m. (EST).

Bishop's Discretionary Fund - Immigration

Recent developments in the Federal Government’s approach to immigration, including the withdrawal of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from various countries, are affecting the lives of several members of our faith communities. In light of these developments, some of you have asked for us to create a fund through which you might contribute to the legal expenses incurred by those members as they file for different documentation in order to remain in compliance with the law. We have decided that the best way to do so is through the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund, to which anyone interested may contribute by sending a check to the Diocese with Bishop’s Discretionary Fund—Immigration in the memo line.

In Luke’s telling of the Christmas story, startled shepherds are the first to hear that good news of great joy given to all people. Since then, through generations and generations, across the world, we keep sharing this Good News, receiving signs from God that, in the coming of Jesus Christ, we have received the greatest gift of all. The Episcopal Church wants to help you and your congregation share that Good News with each other and your neighborhoods, especially this Advent and Christmas.

AdventWord

Our main offering for Advent and Christmas this year will be participation in Forward Movement’s AdventWord, an online Advent calendar that asks individuals, ministries, and congregations to reflect on a single word each day of Advent. If you feel so moved, you can even post the word, a written reflection, and a graphic on social media. We’ve created Canva templates – three each in English and Spanish – which we invite you to use. Throughout Advent, we’ll be participating on The Episcopal Church’s social media channels, sharing posts with basic information about the church, our history, our traditions, our structure, and more. Think of it as an Episcopal 101.

Advent and Christmas Collects

If you’re looking for beautiful artwork around Advent and Christmas, you can use our graphics of the collects – available in English and Spanish – on social media or in print. If you click on the thumbnails on this page, you’ll be taken to our lectionary, where you can also find sample text to accompany the pieces. The collects for the Christmas season were designed by Jason Franklin, a designer and communications director who helps Episcopal churches and organizations share their stories through thoughtful design and branding. His work can be found at franklinian.com.

Customizable Invitation Video

We’re also proud to present a customizable and downloadable video for use by your congregation. The video, available in English, Spanish, and French, contains a final, editable slide where you can add your congregation’s logo, contact information, and service times.

Resources for Invitation and Gratitude

In our Invitation and Gratitude section, you can find information for updating your church’s service times, as well as two printable resources from the United Thank Offering: a gratitude game and a children’s letter to Santa.

Resources for Racial Reconciliation

Two favorite resources return this year. First, a weekly curriculum perfect for an adult forum or small group during the week: Preparing to Become Beloved Community. Organized around the four sections of the Becoming Beloved Community labyrinth (telling the truth, repairing the breach, practicing the way, proclaiming the dream), the curriculum can help your small group or congregation to engage in racial reconciliation and reflect on Jesus’ coming among us. The curriculum is available in English, Spanish, and French. We’re also happy to announce a new season of Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community, in which Shaneequa Brokenleg discusses the lectionary readings for each week with invited guests.

Resources for Faith Formation

In addition to our AdventWord offering, you can find a few resources that we offer year round—Lesson Plans That Work, which follows the Revised Common Lectionary and provides several lesson plans for each Sunday of the year, and D365, a set of daily devotions that marks each Advent with their “Following the Star” theme. And don’t forget to watch our video on creating rustic Advent wreathes! 

Other Resources

Check out a few additional resources available this year – there’s our Journeying the Way of Love Advent curriculum, Episcopal Migration Ministry’s “Las Posadas” and “Advent Prayer Vigil for Refuge and Home”, and Episcopal Relief & Development’s Advent Toolkit and St. Nicholas Day offerings.

Resource list provided by The Episcopal Church.

Blood Drive

Date: November 20, 1-6 p.m. (CT)

Where: St. Andrew's Episcopal Church (Valparaiso)

St. Andrew's (Valparaiso) is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive in the Gathering Space from 1:00 pm-6:00 pm. Please call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter StAndrewsValpo to schedule an appointment.

We're Trendy!

Extending ministry through sharing church property is a national trend. And guess what?  The Episcopal dioceses of Indiana are helping lead the way!

Our CBCP website was introduced to congregational leaders from around the country and diverse denominations in October when we promoted it during 

the national Thriving Congregations Gathering, sponsored by Lilly Endowment, Inc.

“When people visited our website, I heard comments like, ‘Wow, this is just what I was looking for!’ and, ‘Can I really share this with others at my church?.’  Yes, I exclaimed! I hope more and more of our Indiana Episcopal faith communities do the same,” said CBCP Project Director Linda Buskirk.

Share the QR code or website address with your Vestry, Property Committee, Outreach and Stewardship ministries (or anyone!). Then tell us what was most helpful and suggest improvements by emailing info@cbcpindiana.org. 

 Information provided by Linda Buskirk, CBCP Project Director.  

Action Alerts

The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations (OGR) identifies opportunities for Episcopalians to participate in our democracy. Click this link to find an action alert that you are passionate about and send a message to your members of Congress.

Click here to read the Province V newsletter for November 2026.

Big Provincial Gathering 2026

Date: July 31-August 1, 2026

Where: St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Kalamazoo, MI)

Province V will be hosting the fourth Big Provincial Gathering in the summer of 2026. Planning is underway. There will be information about leading workshops, participating in pre-event trainings, sponsorship, and exhibitors. If you're curious about any of those, please contact Heather Barta. Additional information will be shared in upcoming newsletters and on the Province V website!

Call for Workshops

The Big Provincial Gathering will be full of workshops offered "ministry fair" style. Do you have something to share with others? Are you particularly proud of a project you did or a ministry you support? Start thinking about if you'd like to host a workshop. All information about workshops will be needed by February 1, 2026. See all of the details and fill out the form! Make sure to check out the workshop webinar below!

Provincial Youth Event

There will be a Provincial Youth Event offered as part of the BPG. There will be some time that youth will have dedicated programming and then time that all are gathered together.