e-News: October 2021
From Bishop Scarfe and Bishop-elect Monnot
There were two representatives from the Diocese of Iowa at the most recent House of Bishops meeting. Bishop-elect Betsey’s consents from bishop colleagues and Standing Committees had just come in, and Betsey joined Alan in the House of Bishops. And so, they decided to share this space to give their respective reflections.
First, we hear from Bishop Alan:
This was my final House of Bishops as your bishop. Disappointingly it was held on Zoom, and not in person as the Presiding Bishop had originally hoped. The Presiding Bishop shared his own thoughts upon reaching his upcoming milestone of entering his final triennium as Presiding Bishop. He realized that the only thing he has to have passed on to us is the presence of Jesus, and the realization that we cannot live the life and calling Jesus places upon us by ourselves. Our ministry is collegial and collaborative. We need one another to fulfill what God seeks in transforming the world into the Beloved Community which Jesus proclaimed as the Kingdom of God.
I echo those words and feel the same about what it is that I have sought to bring over these many years. For the evangelist Luke, as he wrote the book of Acts and would write about the feats of Peter and Paul, it was clear that what the Church lived out was the ongoing life of Jesus. “In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven after giving instruction through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen.” The Acts of the Apostles were the continuation of that experience in the world. All we have to offer each other is the inspiration—the inbreathing of the Spirit—of Jesus as we get to know him in our imperfect but earnest ways.
As you will read in Bishop-elect Betsey’s reflections, the Church becoming was a huge part of the emphasis as we gathered. Images were offered to that effect. And the kind of questions asked for small group discussion pointed strongly at issues of transition, facing a future of mission nimbly, and even more specifically how are our goals as Bishop leaders changed because of the pandemic, and the irruption of racial unrest and political divisiveness. Of course, in the future my goals as a Bishop are going to be very much changed than those established as the Bishop of a particular place (Iowa). How I discern them and carry them out collegially and collaboratively remains important. What will they be in particular—I do not know; but I pray that they will issue out of the love of God, the intimacy of knowing Jesus, and an immersing in God’s love for those God has made. And may all of that be empowerment for some ongoing acts of an apostolic call.
And now, from Bishop-elect Betsey:
What a privilege it was for me to attend the virtual House of Bishops meeting in September! As it happened, enough bishops and Standing Committees consented to my election the day before the meeting began, and since the meeting was virtual, I could just log on from my own home. I am so glad that I was able to attend, and I learned a lot.
Each of the three three-hour Zoom meetings opened with worship that set the tone for the discussions that would follow. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry talked about the Episcopal Church being in a “Narthex Moment,” a transitional time between what we were and what we are becoming. The next day, Bishop Kimberly Lucas told us about the place where the Oregon Trail begins to wind up into the Rocky Mountains in her diocese of Colorado. That is the place where people would have to make hard decisions about the baggage they were carrying with them: what would help them get through the mountains, and what, if they tried to bring it along, would slow them down and prevent them from reaching the other side safely? She asked us: what does the church need to leave off the wagons as we move forward at this time? What that we have carried so far and so faithfully might be so heavy that it could actually prevent us from getting to the other side? The final sermon, preached by Bishop Terry White of Kentucky, used the image of the threshold in a doorway: it is important in laying flooring to keep the threshold even so that people have a smooth transition between where they were and where they are going.
I don’t know if the preachers had coordinated their sermons before the meeting, but the overall impression I left with was of the Episcopal Church in a profound state of transition, discerning the way forward and potentially making hard decisions. While this isn’t news to any of us, especially in this time of COVID, I deeply appreciated the sense that this time of transition is not something to rush through as fast as we can so that we can get to the other side, or “back to normal,” but that this time brings its own unique gifts and challenges, and we can benefit as a church from living deeply into the ambiguity and the questions that come with any transition.
We as the Diocese of Iowa are even more in transition than the rest of the church right now, and it is my privilege to be able to walk with you in the midst of it. At the House of Bishops meeting, I was able to make connections with members of my table group, all of whom offered their prayers and support as we continue this journey together. We really are standing, as the Presiding Bishop said, in the narthex, preparing ourselves for whatever is coming next. I am looking forward to being with you in Iowa soon, to be together in this narthex time.
In the peace and love of Christ,
Bishop-elect Betsey
Bishop Alan
169th Diocesan Convention
All events will be held online because of the high rate of COVID spread. Saturday's convention business and the celebration for Bishop and Donna Scarfe will be held on Zoom and the Friday and Sunday worship will be live-streamed and with limited in-person seating at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Delegates (and alternate delegates) to the 169th Convention should have received the 30-day notice of convention yesterday by email. The 30-day notice includes important information that delegates should review before convention.
Guests and visitors to convention will need to register to receive the Zoom link to attend Saturday's plenary sessions and the celebration for Bishop and Donna Scarfe. Registration is free for guests and visitors.
CONVENTION SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2021
7:00 PM Eucharist (live-streamed to the diocese) St. Paul’s Cathedral
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021
8:45 AM Online Delegate Check-in
9:00 AM Plenary One – elections open at the end of the session
10:30 AM Break
10:45 AM Plenary Two – Bishop’s Address, 2022 Budget, Resolutions
12:30 PM Lunch break
1:15 PM Plenary Three
2:55 PM Break
3:05 PM Plenary Four
4:00 PM Adjournment
7:00 PM Celebration for Bishop and Donna Scarfe
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2021
10:00 AM Eucharist (live-streamed to the diocese) St. Paul’s Cathedral. Congregations can choose to make the livestream their service for that Sunday, stream the service through the Ministry of the Word and then lead the Ministry of the Table in-person, or share the link for members to participate later.
CONVENTION LINKS
Convention resolutions, reports, minutes, 2022 Proposed Budget, and more
Sign-up for the limited in-person attendance at Friday and/or Sunday's worship at St. Paul's
Pre-Convention Orientation and Resolution Hearing
October 16, 1:00-2:30pm
Ask questions about and discuss the resolutions we will consider at convention.
Zoom links will be sent to delegates and registered guests.
Pre-Convention Budget Hearing
October 16, 3:00-4:00pm
Join the treasurer, comptroller, and Ways and Means to ask questions about and discuss the 2022 proposed budget.
Zoom links will be sent to delegates and registered guests.
Safe Church, Safe Communities
New Safe Church Policy
Since February 2020 a group consisting of William Graham, William Smith, Rev. Kris Leaman, and Amy Mellies have been working to adapt the model policy which was passed at General Convention in 2018. In January of 2021, in consultation with the Standing Committee, the Board of Directors adopted the policy and the group has been editing the document since then. The policy consists of three segments: Policies and Procedures for the Protection of Children & Youth, Vulnerable Adults, and Pastoral Relationships. The policy can be found on the Safe Church page on our diocesan website and can be found HERE as well.
Church governing bodies and all leaders should understand these policies and all local requirements thoroughly enough to make appropriate judgments and should consult with the Office of the Bishop when unanticipated situations arise. Therefore it is up to each congregation to take this policy and revise it to fit the needs of their congregation. Vestries are asked to fill out a form that they have been given the updated policies. Leaders may also upload changes your vestry is suggesting be made to fit the needs of your congregation.
L.O.V.E. (Listening, One day at a Time, Visioning, Evangelizing) Mini-retreats
L.O.V.E., such a common and widely used word. We will be taking a closer look at Listening, One day at a time, Visioning, and Evangelizing. We will open our reflection time with a message pre-recorded for our topic by Presiding Bishop Curry. Time in small groups will allow us to explore thoughts and questions raised by the meditations. Each session will conclude with a sharing of important “learnings” captured informally by the Zoom chat function. What better way to spend 90 minutes on a Saturday morning!
Recognizing that each of us has wisdom to share and through some of the “miracles” of technology we are able to share and listen to many across this diocese, we encourage you to come be part of this experience. Our expectation for this time together is the chance to deepen our personal understandings as well as continue the building of relationships.
LOVE mini-retreat schedule: 9:00am - 10:30am via Zoom
Listen
One Day at a Time
Visioning – Saturday, October 16
Evangelizing – Saturday, November 20
“And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three, and the greatest of these is LOVE.” 1 Cor. 13:13
Faithful Conversations on The 1619 Project
A new resource from Interfaith Alliance of Iowa invites faith communities across the state to participate in Faithful Conversations about The 1619 Project. This 6-week discussion series can be held at any time, using the resource from Interfaith Alliance.
Or join in one of the conversations in our diocese that begin next week—BCI is hosting a group that will meet on Tuesdays from 6:30-8pm via Zoom beginning Oct. 5. REGISTER NOW
St. Andrew's, Des Moines is hosting groups via Zoom on Wednesday evenings and/or Thursdays at 1:00pm. Contact the office at standrew5720@gmail.com or 515-255-2101 to register.
Let us know if you plan to host a conversation that you would welcome others in the diocese to join in and we'll help get the word out!
Dismantling Racism Training
Grounded in The Episcopal Church's commitment to dismantling racism as essential to our formation as Christians, this ONLINE training is open to all persons who would like to deepen their understanding of racism, prejudice, and privilege.
The training will consist of 2 sessions from 10:00am-12:00pm and 12:30pm-2:30pm. Sessions are limited to 25 attendees, so you may be placed on a waiting list when the session is full.
Dismantling Racism: Training for Church Leaders is a training day that is required of all lay and ordained leaders in The Episcopal Church (including vestries, search committees, diocesan leadership, etc.).
Pop-Up at the Patch
Join us for Pop-Up at the Patch, October 16 at Colony Pumpkin Patch in North Liberty.
2780 Front Street Northeast, 52317
We have a camp fire rented from 12-2pm. Join us for s'mores and fellowship.
If you are planning to attend, please register by October 9.
You can purchase tickets ahead of time online HERE. Tickets are $10+ tax online and $12+ tax at the entrance.
Scholarships are available for children and youth who need them. Email Amy Mellies at amellies@iowaepiscopal.org on how to obtain a scholarship. All scholarship requests are private.
Simpson Youth Academy
Simpson Youth Academy
The Simpson Youth Academy is a community that helps high schoolers get a taste of college, grow in faith, make good friends, and explore what they want to do with their lives. Held June 18-26, 2022, adults can nominate current 10th or 11th graders now by contacting:
Rev. Eric Rucker, director of SYA at eric.rucker@simpson.edu
Last year, SYA was a 2020 GILEAD Grant recipient - grant funds were used to provide 4 scholarships to Episcopal and/or LGBTQIA+ youth for the 2021 SYA summer residency. Scholarships will also be available this coming year.
Mental Health
October is Depression Awareness Month. This is a topic not often discussed in our personal or work lives, and yet mental health disorders affect millions of American workers. As such, we are taking a moment to bring everyone’s attention to these taboo topics, which will hopefully spark conversation and help those in need find the services and resources they deserve.
Mental health is just as important as our physical health, so it is key to understand the resources available as you seek to improve this aspect of your health. For more information on mental health awareness, visit: www.mentalhealthamerica.net
Behavioral Health Ministry Team
Thanks to two GILEAD grants the Diocese of Iowa will be offering funds for children, youth, and families who are seeking mental health assistance but may not be able to afford it starting in November. We are also in the process of developing a Behavioral Mental Heath Team that will identify, support, educate and develop parish ministry along with support groups for clergy throughout the diocese. It will also provide educational opportunities for those around the diocese which may include training in depression, suicide assessment, mental health first aid, and resources for referral and treatment.
You can find additional mental health resources HERE.
Faithful Innovations
Thursday October 21:
Noon - 12:45pm
Dwelling in the Word
All are welcome to join in these "Listening at Lunch" sessions. No "pre-work" is needed, come as you are. On the 21st, we'll practice Dwelling in the Word together.
Email Traci Ruhland Petty:
tpetty@iowaepiscopal.org for the Zoom login information or if you have questions.
Podcast Corner
October is Depression Awareness Month. As such, we have decided to point you to an article by Choosing Therapy with the 15 Best Mental Health Podcasts.
"Podcasts are great ways to learn new information and find community, especially when dealing with mental health issues. From slaying anxiety to dealing with depression, here are 15 of the best mental health podcasts we could find. "
We hope you find one that fits your needs this month.
Episcopal Migration Ministries
EMM welcomes refugees, educates communities, and mobilizes congregations to advocate for the protection and rights of all migrants. In addition to refugee resettlement, EMM works to preserve the right to seek asylum and for alternatives to immigrant detention.
According to KCCI "Iowa is expected to receive 695 Afghan evacuees from that first wave as their home country has devolved into chaos and violence in recent weeks.
The group is among the more than 100,000 Afghans who managed to leave the country and escape the Taliban, which has been described as brutal and has been marked in the past by public beatings, executions and a lack of rights for women."
If you would like to find ways to help Afghan refugees click HERE.
Center for Social Ministry
The Center for Social Ministry is a recipient of the 2020 GILEAD grant provided by the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. We provide poverty awareness and social justice education programs and serve as a key resource to help individuals connect to programs, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy efforts. Our foundational offerings are the JustFaith Ministries programs. Through the reading of scripture, prayer, spiritual practice, and group dialog, these programs help individuals move forward on their journey and begin to put their faith into action. The Center for Social Ministry was awarded the GILEAD grant to help expand our reach by offering JustFaith Ministries programs to the wider Episcopal community throughout Iowa. Utilizing our current online offerings, we can invite individuals to participate in cities and towns far outside of Des Moines.
Faith and Poverty (formally called the JustFaith program) is JustFaith Ministries’ foundational programming. In this three-part series, participants learn about the theological and biblical foundation for responding to poverty in our communities and awaken to systemic barriers that keep certain people from rising out of poverty. Participants explore questions such as: “Why don’t people in poverty just get a job?”, “What are some common hurdles people in poverty face?” and, “What are some practical tools for alleviating poverty in my community?” all while discerning how they are called to bring change and healing to their communities.
More information regarding all our fall offerings can be found online at csm.coursestorm.com.
To register you will want to use one of the two following promo codes.
Use Code GILEAD50 if you need the books provided for you (cost $40)
Use Code GILEAD100 if you will provide your own books (no cost)
These promo codes can be used on any of our fall program offerings.
Crop Hunger Walk: October 16
Join us for the 2021 National CROP Hunger Walk on World Food Day, October 16th and end hunger in the U.S. and around the world! Walk on your treadmill, in your neighborhood, in a park with friends – you choose the location and the experience. Walk one day - 3.7 miles (the average distance a woman walks for water) or take the Weekend Challenge and walk 11.1 miles (3.7 miles for 3 days).Every step you take, every dollar you raise makes the walk shorter for neighbors in need by providing clean water, emergency food as well as livelihoods and access to education. Sign-up and start raising funds TODAY at www.crophungerwalk.org/usa! Contact info@cwsglobal.org for more info.
Interfaith Power & Light
You're invited to Iowa IPL's annual event, Called to Climate Action: "We live in an awe-inspiring world”
We invite all Iowan's of faith and conscience to our annual Called to Climate Action 2021 event on October 16th at 10:00 AM. This year, we are excited to have KCCI's Chief Meteorologist Chris Gloninger as our keynote.
Our annual interfaith program promotes climate awareness, action, and leadership in Iowa. This year’s iteration will be completely virtual like last year. Our keynote, Chris Gloninger will share how he has been called to climate action in his career. There will be a response panel following the keynote. We will also hear from our Iowa college student leaders who have organized this event as they share our 2021 faith statement.
Beware of Scammers
We are seeing an uptick in phone calls, emails, and text messages that claim to be from priests in the diocese, the diocesan office, or from the bishop. Please double check the source of any communications asking for money or gift cards. Legitimate emails from the bishop and the diocesan staff will use an email address ending in @iowaepiscopal.org. Verify any requests for money or assistance that claim to come from your local priest or church office by emailing or calling them directly, not by responding to texts or emails.
Please also be aware of current email and phone call scams purporting to come from Google and Square credit services - do not respond to phone calls that ask you to opt out or in of those services.