November 7, 2019
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Hello!

You are invited to a special gathering for small, mostly rural, parishes in the midst of resource challenges, adjustment, or new circumstances.  

Join us for this retreat/workshop led by LeDare Cox of St. Andrews, Grand Rapids, entitled  “ Light Shining in the Darkness: The Discernment of Hope” on Sunday, November 17th from 1:30-4pm at St. John’s, Ionia . She will be accompanied by musician, Merry Kim Meyers, of St. Paul’s, Greenville. The program is free and there will be refreshments after the presentation.  

LeDare has a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Psychology and Counseling and is certified as a spiritual director and as a supervisor of spiritual directors.  She has served for ten years as spirituality faculty member for CREDO, a national clergy wellness initiative of the Episcopal Church.

To RSVP, call St. John’s, Mt. Pleasant, at 989-773-7448 or email stjohnsmp@gmail.com .

The event is made possible by a Roanridge Grant from The Episcopal Church to the Center for Christian Spirituality of St. John’s Church, Mt. Pleasant.  The grant is designed for lay leadership development using contemplative spirituality as an avenue for deepened prayer and insight. To arrange for a retreat on contemplative spirituality for your own parish, contact me at 989-807-0216.

We look forward to seeing you on November 17th!
Sister Linda-Susan Beard
Director of the Center for Christian Spirituality
St. John's Episcopal Church, Mt. Pleasant
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 11
Informational Annual Enrollment Webinar with CPG at noon for clergy and lay employees. Webinar link .
November 14
Celebration of New Ministry with St. John's, Sturgis and the Rev. James Lively at 7pm.
November 16
EYC hosts a going away party for Gennie Callard, former Assistant to the Bishop for Children and Youth Ministries at Camp Newaygo, 1-5pm.
November 23
Safeguarding God's Children Training hosted by St. Mark's, Grand Rapids from 9-12pm. Registration .
Dec. 7-8
Advent Retreat at Plainsong Farm for high school and middle school youth. Info and registration.
February 7-9
The Gathering youth event for high schoolers and young adults in Kalamazoo. Info and registration.
February 22
Save the Date: Southern Leadership Day Workshop.
February 28-March 1
Provincial Youth Leadership Event at Bellwether Farm in the Diocese of Ohio. Info and application.
March 7
Save the Date: Central Leadership Day Workshop.
March 20-22
CHARGE youth event for middle schoolers at the Great Wolf Lodge. Info and registration.
March 28
Save the Date: Northern Leadership Day Workshop.
April 11
Save the Date: Diocesan Confirmation in Holland.
May 8-20
Journeys of Paul - Pilgrimage through Greece. Info and Registration.
June 20-27
Save the date: DREAM Mission Project in the Dominican Republic.
July 7-11
Episcopal Youth Event in Washington, DC for high school-aged youth and adult leaders. Info and Application.
August 8
Save the Date: Diocesan Confirmation in Traverse City.
October 30-31
Save the Date: Diocesan Convention in Lansing, with the Diocese of Eastern Michigan and with special guest, the Presiding Bishop.
EDWM in the NEWS
The Way of Love with Bishop Michael Curry - Resting in and with the land
The Rev. Nurya Love Parish is interviewed on the Episcopal Church's latest podcast episode, talking about the Way of Love, Rest, and how it relates to our land.
by the Rev. Dr. Jared Cramer ".. Jesus told those who follow him that whatever they do for those in prison, they do for Jesus himself. That is why Christians in the 18th century, particularly evangelicals and Quakers, worked so hard to change the prison system that existed in that time... "
NEWS & UPDATES
145th Convention Takes Place in Grand Rapids
A joyful weekend in Grand Rapids with clergy and deputies
The 145th Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan gathered over the weekend at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Grand Rapids.

Over the course of the weekend, the convention passed a resolution creating the new category "cooperating ministry" within our diocesan canons, elected several people to leadership positions, worshipped together, and confirmed, received, and reaffirmed about forty people to the Episcopal Church.

Join the project!
Introducing #MIFaithStory
YOU are invited to share your #MIFaithStory - why do you follow Jesus? Why are you an Episcopalian? What do you wish people knew about your community?

Elections to Diocesan Leadership
The diocesan convention elected several positions
At our diocesan convention last weekend, the delegates and clergy elected diocesan leaders to serve in several roles including as members of Standing Committee and as Deputies to General Convention.

Our new Standing Committee members are: the Rev. Diane Pike (Southwest MIchigan Episcopal Covenant) and Carole Redwine (St. Philip's, Grand Rapids).

Our lay deputies to the 2021 General Convention are: Laurie Atwater (St. Martin's, Kalamazoo), Pam Chapman (St. Philip's, Grand Rapids), Bill Fleener, Jr. (St. David's, Lansing), and Matt Roney (Grace, Traverse City).

Our clergy deputies to the 2021 General Convention are: Jen Adams (Grace, Holland), Brian Coleman (St. Thomas, Battle Creek), Nurya Parish (Holy Spirit, Belmont), and Bill Spaid (Diocesan Staff).
CLERGY TRANSITIONS
OPEN SEARCHES
Church of the Mediator, Harbert seeks a full-time Rector. View the listing.
Emmanuel, Petoskey seeks a full-time Rector. View the profile.
OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
Episcopal Service Corps 2020-21
ESC Application now available for next service year
The Episcopal Service Corps (ESC) discernment quiz and application are now available for the 2020-2021 service year. The Episcopal Service Corps is a network of young adults ages 21-32 serving through locally organized intentional communities that are dedicated to:

  • Serving others in solidarity
  • Promoting justice in community
  • Deepening spiritual awareness
  • Discerning vocation
  • Living simply

Everyone serving through ESC commits to a household Rule of Life and regular spiritual direction, discernment and community practices. During their #ServiceYear, Corps members receive housing, health coverage, and small stipends to cover living expenses, transportation and food. For many young adults, this year serves as an opportunity for vocational discernment broadly understood. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until programs reach capacity. Visit the ESC website for more information and to apply, www.EpiscopalServiceCorps.org.
Safeguarding Training
Required training to be offered in person
St. Mark's, Grand Rapids will host a Safeguarding God's Children training on Saturday, November 23rd from 9am-Noon. The training costs $5 and registration must be completed before November 18th. Click here to register.

Click here to learn more about Safeguarding, including policies and training requirements, and to register for the online course.
CONGREGATIONAL CALENDAR
November 9
Holy Spirit, Belmont ECW's Christmas Delites (crafts, baked goods, silent auction).
November 10
Organist David Schout in concert at Good Shepherd, Allegan at 6pm.
November 23
Learning about Dietrich Bonhoeffer at St. Paul's, Muskegon .
November 24
Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Timothy's, Richland after the 9:30 service.
November 26
Feeding the Soul of the City concert hosted by St. Paul's, Muskegon featuring Lee Murdock, "The Christmas Ship" (folk guitar) at 12:15pm.
November 28
St. Mark's, Newaygo hosts a Thanksgiving Dinner from noon-2pm.
December 1
Advent Lessons and Carols featuring soprano, Diane Penning at 5pm at St. John's, Grand Haven .
December 7
Winter Songs & Carols at Grace, Traverse City featuring Manitou Winds at 7:30pm. Free will offering to benefit community lunch program.

31st annual Cookie Walk at St. Mark's, Paw Paw begins at 9am with raffle and cookies and crafts for purchase.

St. Nicholas Day Craft Bazaar from 10-4pm at St. David's, Lansing . Artists and crafters welcome - contact Andi Flitton .
December 21
Blue Christmas service at Holy Trinity, Wyoming at 7:30pm.
December 31
Blood Drive with the Red Cross at St. Paul's Muskegon from 10-3pm.
Aug. 30-Sept. 9, 2020
St. Paul's Muskegon is organizing a pilgrimage to Ireland and the Isle of Iona - "In the Footsteps fo St. Patrick, St. Brigid, and St. Columba". For information, contact the Rev. Mary Frens at 231-519-2792.
CONNECT

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This newsletter is edited by Katie Forsyth, Canon for Evangelism & Networking. Email Katie.
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