September e-News 2022
From Bishop Monnot
Post Lambeth visit to Brechin
Meetings with the Bishop
Transitions
Becoming Beloved Community
Church Audits
Diocesan Convention
Behavioral Health Ministry Team
Safe Church
Youth Ministry
Underground Railroad Pilgrimage
EpisGoRace
Province VI
Young Adults
Pathways to Serenity Retreat
Educational Resources
Scam Alerts
Resources
From Bishop Monnot
A Day in the Life of the Lambeth Conference with Bishop Monnot
Post-Lambeth Visit to Brechin
Following the Lambeth Conference, Bishop Betsey Monnot (Diocese of Iowa), Bishop Dalcy Dlamini (Diocese of Swaziland) and their families travelled to visit Bishop Andrew Swift and the Diocese of Brechin in Scotland. The bishops spent time in meetings and fellowship, and the visit concluded with a celebration of Evening Prayer in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee. There, the three Bishops signed a statement of intent to continue the fruitful partnership and planted a tree as part of the Communion Forest Initiative. Learn more about the Communion Forest here.
Meetings with the Bishop
Congregational Leaders
September 13, 6:00-7:00pm
If you copied the link from the 8/28 Joint Chapter meeting chat, it is no longer valid - instead, click HERE to Register.
Clergy
September 20, 4:00-5:00pm
Clergy will receive an email with the Zoom link
Transitions
Becoming Beloved Community
Dismantling Racism: Training for Church Leaders
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.). 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.
Church Audits
Were Due September 1st:
Church Audits: Send a copy of your 2021 Church Audit/Financial Review to the Diocesan Office. This annual review is a requirement for all Episcopal churches, and is due September 1st each year.
Diocesan Convention
2022 Deadlines:
September 1
Written Reports to Convention Due
September 15
Early Bird Discount Ends - $25 late fee will be applied to all registrations after this date
September 19 (40 days)
Submission of Nominations to Nominations Committee
Submission of Resolutions to Resolutions Committee
September 29 (30 days)
Reports to Convention available to all delegates and alternate delegates
Nominating Committee Report with biographical sketch available to delegates and alternate delegates
Certification of Delegates
October 6
Group Rate at Marriott closes
October 19
Last day to register for Meals and Visitors
October 20
Budget & Resolutions Hearings
October 22
Budget & Resolutions Hearings
2022 Schedule:
Friday, October 28:
1:00-4:30 PM Clergy Gathering
Des Moines Downtown Marriott
7:00 PM Eucharist St. Paul’s Cathedral
**********************************
Saturday, October 29:
10:00 AM Plenary One Marriott
11:30 AM Plenary Two Marriott
2:00 PM Plenary Three Marriott
4:00 PM Plenary Four Marriott
Sunday, October 30:
10:00 AM Eucharist St. Paul’s Cathedral
Email Tina: taustin@iowaepiscopal.org
You must register to receive the Zoom link. The Zoom information is the same for all 4 hearings so you only need to register once.
Behavioral Health Ministries Team
Bulletin Insert
BHMT News - September
BHMT has ordered a book for a potential book study titled “Blessed Youth,” by Sarah Griffith Lund. As I was just starting to read it the first chapter reminded me of, once again, the importance of listening.
We are bombarded it seems every moment by technology distracting us, our inner conversations of what needs to be done, what we have left undone, and if what we have done is good enough. Or not.
Click below to read more.
Children, Youth, and Family Mental Health Funds Request Form
The Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, through a GILEAD Grant, has funds available to assist with co-payments for mental health related appointments for children, youth, and families. You may request incremental funds for up to $50 per appointment. A completed request FORM is required for each appointment. You must submit a receipt for reimbursement or have a bill sent to the Diocesan Office. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
You can find more information and resources HERE or email the team at bhmt@iowaepiscopal.org.
Safe Church Training and Administration
Safeguarding is now: Safe Church, Safe Communities
New online platform = Praesidium Academy
Each congregation should have a Safe Church Administrator. Contact your Administrator to get set up in Praesidium Academy online so you can complete your required courses.
Who needs to take the training?
See diagram to the right
Which courses do I need to take?
Depends on your role -
See the chart HERE for which courses (#1-9) you should take.
There are 8 new active courses, and a 9th is soon to be added. When you login, you may need to scroll toward the bottom of the page to find them.
For Administrators
We have added a new section to the Safe Church, Safe Communities website just for Administrators. This page has detailed information on how to set new users up in the system, the course requirement chart, and a Frequently Asked Question section regarding training and policy adoption.
Email Amy Mellies at amellies@iowaepiscopal.org with questions
Diocesan Convention Youth Delegation & Visitors
We are looking for Youth Delegates to the 170th diocesan convention, October 28-30. If you are 16+ and confirmed we invite you to apply to represent the youth of the diocese with voice and vote at convention. What does that mean? It means you get to discuss the topics at hand, share your opinion, and vote on the issues that matter to the youth of the diocese. Youth who are in high school but not old enough to serve as a delegate can come be a part of convention as well as a Visitor. You will take part in all of the convention events, but will not be able to vote.
Youth Delegates and visitors will stay overnight at the Marriott, meals will be covered, and guaranteed swim time!
Diocesan Convention Lock-In
October 29-30, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Des Moines
Join youth from around the diocese for a day of service and an evening of fun! Youth who are in 4th - 9th grade have the opportunity to work with different ministries that some of our Des Moines congregations take part in, enjoy swimming and a movie.
Youth will sleep at Cathedral Church of St. Paul. YOUTH MUST JOIN THE LOCK-IN GROUP AT MARRIOTT BY 9AM SATURDAY 10/29.
Underground Railroad
EpisGOpal Race
The United Thank Offering and Episcopal Migration Ministries are teaming up to bring you the 3rd Annual Great EpisGOpal Race!
Through this race, we hope to promote the practice of gratitude for our bodies, environments, communities, and neighbors.
The funds raised from this race will support EMM’s Neighbor to Neighbor initiative and the 2022 UTO Ingathering. Neighbor to Neighbor is a program offered by EMM, which was founded through funding from a UTO grant. Neighbor to Neighbor directly trains and provides support to faith communities who serve as community sponsors for their new neighbors. Anytime between September 3 - September 11, choose your preferred mode and distance and race for good. You can bike a 10K, run a half marathon, or skate a mile—the options are limitless. Let’s race together in gratitude!
Province VI
There are so many issues common to individuals and families living in rural towns and worshipping in small congregations. The agenda is simple – let’s create a space to bring questions, to share the “WOW”s and the “OOPS”s of ministry, and to remind one another that we are not alone in this journey.
Our initial gathering will be held on Tuesday September 6, 2022, beginning at 6:30 MT/ 7:30 CT.
We will provide space via a virtual connection on the first Tuesday of each month. Come when you can – there is no expectation that people will be able to join each time.
Young Adults
PAID SMALL GROUP INTERNSHIP
Internships available for Fall 2022, and beyond.
WHO: Young Adults 18+, no leadership experience needed
WHY: Groups let us know that we belong. They are places to tell stories, ask questions, goof around and share life. At its best, ministry is all about gathering folks in small groups to show folks they are loved--no matter what.
Pathways to Serenity
"Pathways to Serenity" retreats each spring and fall focus on the 12-steps as articulated by Alcoholics Anonymous.
This weekend will be focusing on Steps 1, 2 & 3. The retreat welcomes all people in recovery from chemical dependency and those who love them.
The cost of the Pathways Retreat is $80.00 per person for the entire weekend or $33.00 if you only register for Saturday. At least a $40.00 deposit is required to hold your place at Pathways to Serenity.
Educational Opportunities
CSM Fall Online Classes
JustFaith Ministries programs offered by the Center for Social Ministry. All the following classes are:
8 weeks
Online via Zoom
$80, includes books, an opportunity to talk with a local community member, and an immersion experience
Meets: Mondays, Sept 12 - Nov 7, 2022 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Zeb Treloar
Meets: Tuesdays, Sept 20 – Nov 15, 2022 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Facilitators: Jean McCarthy and Kathleen Milligan
Meets: Wednesdays, Oct 5 - Dec 7, 2022 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Facilitators: Jeanie Smith and McB McManus
Project Resource Fall 2022 Training
"Project Resource is not a curriculum. It is a way of understanding stewardship as a ministry, essential for the spiritual health of individuals and communities. It is a way of learning to be in right relationship to the resources in our hands."
5 consecutive Sundays, September 11 to October 9, 2022; 4:00 to 6:00 pm CT via Zoom
Project Resource teaches culture and systems change around financial development in the worldwide Episcopal Church. Project Resource provides teaching, focus, and adaptable resources to equip clergy and lay leaders to develop their year-round annual stewardship campaigns and to plan, ask for, and receive major gifts.
Leaving Home: Immigration through the Eyes of Children
What is it like to flee your home and country? How do you hope you’d be welcomed elsewhere?
Explore these questions and more in a new immersive retreat offered by members of Episcopal Migration Ministries Asylum & Detention Ministry Network.
What: Leaving Home: Immigration Through the Eyes of Children, a 3-day retreat.
Attendees will:
Examine artwork and poems created by children seeking U.S. asylum at the Casa Alitas Welcome Center in Tucson
Participate in individual and group activities
Volunteer at Casa Alitas
Be empowered to create an action plan in their own communities with the support of retreat facilitators
When: Oct. 10-12
Where: Episcopal Church of the Apostles, Oro Valley, Arizona
Cost: $355
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
As an employee of a religious not-for-profit organization, you may benefit from the time-sensitive waiver to PSLF, the federal student loan forgiveness program. But the window for getting credit for employment (current and previous) is closing on October 31. This webinar can help you start—or finish up—your application.
Beware of Email Scammers
We continue to receive reports of scammers posing as key personnel (bishop, staff, clergy, etc.) asking for money, gift cards, etc.
Unfortunately, there isn't anything we can do from the diocesan office to prevent these as it isn't necessarily a breach of someone's email. Stay vigilant, and contact our office directly for verification if you're ever unsure.
MAKE SURE TO:
Look closely at the "From" email address: 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: Instead of replying to the email/text, contact the person or office it's claiming to come from by calling or emailing them directly
Resources
"The book is about how the teachings of the Christian mystics of the past can encourage our lives of faith today... I pray this book will help ignite faith in individuals, congregations, and communities."- Fr. Kevin Goodrich, OP