short masthead
March 24, 2009
We recognize in this crisis an invitation into a deeper simplicity, a tightening of the belt, an expanded Lenten fast, and a broader generosity. God's abundant mercy and forgiveness meet and embrace us, waiting to empower us through the Holy Spirit to face the coming days.

excerpted from the pastoral letter issued on March 18 by the House of Bishops
read the letter in its entirety
Quick Links
diocesanprayerDiocesan Prayers

chapel of the holy spirit

For the month of March please pray for those involved in specialized licensed ministries throughout the diocese, including lay Eucharistic ministers and visitors, and for lay readers. Please pray for all church musicians and the worship committees in your parishes.

Sunday, March 29 is 5 Lent
Breck Memorial Mission, Ponsford;
Good Sheperd Parish, Windom

Anniversaries
4/1 Patricia Gillespie, p 1995
4/1 Paul Froiland, p 1973
4/1 Harold Eaglebull, p 1986
4/3 William Kelm, d 1986
4/3 Barbara von Haaren,
      d 1986
4/4 Grant Robinson, p 1970

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
Anglican Cycle of Prayer
Gospel Based Discipleship
jobs Ministry Resources
Jobs
Seabury-Western Theological Seminary invites applications for a full-time position as the Director of D.Min. More...

Summer Internship
The Office of Communications is accepting resumes for the 2009 Summer Internship. Application instructions and a full job description and are available online.

Archbishop of Canterbury Featured in Recent Publication
The Velvet Reformation, The Atlantic Monthly

  EventsUpcoming events

Internet & Cell Phone Safety
Wednesday, April 8, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Nativity, Burnsville
Alison Feigh, child safety specialist from the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center will present the realities of online safety, offering sound advice for parents and their children. Designed for youth in grades 5-8 and their parents. Contact Anna Ostenso for details.

Register Now for Clergy Conference
May 4 to 6, King's House Retreat Center
Clergy interested in participating in the May clergy conference featuring Phyllis Tickle can now sign-up online through this link or by downloading the registration form and mailing it, along with a check, to the Episcopal Center. Registration is $100, which includes meals. On-site lodging is an additional $100. Space is limited so register early!

Phyllis Tickle to Host Conversation at Breck; Publicity Materials Available
Wednesday, May 6, 7 to 9 pm, Breck School, Golden Valley
Join Phyllis Tickle in a conversation about her most recent book, The Great Emergence. Phyllis is an extraordinarily lively, entertaining, and thought-provoking speaker. This would be a great event for a youth group, EFM class, or adult education forum. A bulletin insert and flyer are available for download.

A Study on Paul
Saturdays from 9 am to 12 pm on May 9, 30 and June 6, 13,
St. Paul's on the Hill, St. Paul

Whether you love Paul or loathe him, there is always more to learn about this complex, passionate man whose writings have shaped the church throughout the centuries. Contact the Rev. Diana Rogers for details.

"Does it Fit" Vocational Conference
June 1-4, University of the South, Sewanee, TN
This event is an opportunity for young adults of color of ages 18-30 to engage in activities and conversations on vocational discernment while celebrating their culture and enjoying fellowship. Cost is $50, which includes lodging, meals and ground transportation from Nashville (BNA) airport. For registrations please contact: Deborah Henry at (212) 716-6379 or Miguelina Espinal at (212) 716-6378.
ShelteringArmsThe Sheltering Arms Foundation
The Sheltering Arms Foundation announces 2009 Episcopal Congregation Grants
Small grants are offered (up to $1,000) to Minnesota Episcopal congregations to support projects that improve the lives of vulnerable children, youth and their families. This could be a program run by the congregation on behalf of its own children or a program doing outreach to families in need. The funds could also support advocacy efforts within the congregation on behalf of vulnerable children. The deadline to submit a proposal is April 1, 2009. Grant guidelines are available by visiting their website at www.sheltering-arms.org.

Holy Apostles, St. Paul, Uses Grant to Partner With Nearby Charter School
Receiving a $1000 grant from the Sheltering Arms Foundation allowed Holy Apostles Episcopal Church to further deepen their relationship and support of Community School of Excellence (CSE), a Hmong charter school on the east side of St. Paul.  More...
bishopsearchBishop Search Update

22 Candidates Moving On to Next Phase
submitted by the Rev. Neil Willard
Twenty-two candidates have been invited to participate in the second step of our mutual discernment process that will eventually lead to the election of the IX Bishop of Minnesota.  This includes three essay questions about ethnic and cultural diversity in our diocese, experience in dealing with conflict, and defining the realities facing The Episcopal Church.  Each candidate has also been asked to submit an audio or video recording of a sermon.  The essay questions from the initial steps and an overview of the steps ahead on this exciting journey is available here.
AroundtheDiocese Millennium Development Goals (MDG's)
St. James, Minneapolis, Partners with Haiti Parish
submitted by the Rev. Theo Park
St. James on the Parkway has entered into a formal partnership commitment with the parish of Bonne Nouvelle in Bigonet, Haiti. We see this as an integral part of our identity as a parish pledged to the MDGs.  Last Sunday we kicked off Year 2 of our MDG fundraising, with funds raised to be devoted to our work in partnership with Bonne Nouvelle. Some wonderful essays written after their most recent visit by members of our Haiti team are posted on our website, along with photos.

calendarThis Week in the Diocese

March 26
, Diocesan Council meeting, 9 am to 4 pm

March 27-29
, Great Northern Teens Encounter Christ, contact Alison Feigh

A complete Calendar of Events is available on our website.  Music events can be found on the Episcopal Music Calendar. Also, visit the Trips and Pilgrimages page on our website for a complete list of upcoming opportunities to explore your journey with God through travel