|
A Day of Prayer for the People of South Sudan
 | |
Icon of the Martyrs of Sudan. Written by Awer Bul
|
Sunday, February 16, will be a Day of Prayer for the People of South Sudan throughout the Diocese of Kentucky. Bishop Terry will preside at the Eucharist and preach at Messiah-Trinity Church at 11 am. The Bishop's sermon will be translated into Dinka and Arabic. The lessons for the day will be those used for the Commemoration of the Martyrs of Sudan from Holy Women, Holy Men. Members of Messiah-Trinity will name and pray for family and friends who have been killed in South Sudan. All will renew the Baptismal Covenant and commit to being peace-makers in the name of the Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Following the Eucharist, all will be invited to gather for a meal of American and Sudanese food.
The day's gathering will conclude with stories shared by four Sudanese individuals about what they have learned of the conflict and how it has affected their families in South Sudan as well as how it impacts them personally here in Louisville. This time of sharing and listening will show respect for sisters and brothers who are grieving and inform all about the issues the Church in South Sudan is facing.
All congregations of the Diocese of Kentucky are encouraged to observe the Day of Prayer in one or more of the following ways:
- The Bishop has given permission for the lessons for The Martyrs of Sudan to be used in place of those for Epiphany 6 in congregations that desire to do so. For a commemoration of martyrs, the liturgical color is red. The Martyrs may also be observed at a weekday Eucharist.
- A collection for Episcopal Relief and Development may be taken, or parishioners provided with theER-D website link for online donations in the bulletin. These contributions go directly to bishops in South Sudan for immediate use to provide food and other assistance.
- Utilize a bulletin insert as a way to inform all about the severe hardships being endured in South Sudan (links) Bulletin insert from ERD Bulletin insert for the Day of Prayer
- Send a parish representative to the 11am Eucharist at Messiah-Trinity, or send an email to Father John Allen (jgafile@gmail.com) telling him that you will be remembering the people of South Sudan in the Prayers of the People in your own congregation. This sense of community is highly valued by our local Sudanese sisters and brothers, and enables us to share one another's burdens.
The Episcopal Church in South Sudan is engaging in historic and holy witnessing to the power of God's love, forgiveness and reconciliation in the midst of brutal violence and destruction. These fellow Anglicans need our support. Thank you for your generous response on the Day of Prayer, and in the coming days ahead.
For Bishop White's call for a day of prayer, click here.
For Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori's call for a day of prayer, click here.
For Bishop Aweil's letter to officials in South Sudan, click here.
|
Visit Our New Website!
 The Diocese is excited to announce the publication of our new website (www.episcopalky.org) today.
This new design was created with you as its focus. This image heavy, minimalistic design is user-friendly on any device whether computer, tablet, or phone.
Please take a moment and browse. We're sure you'll find a new bit of information or some new way to connect to other Episcopalians in our diocese.
|
 In Our Community
|
|
Deacon Daniel Koul and Wife Welcome Baby Girl into the World
Please join us in offering prayers of thanksgiving for the healthy birth of a second daughter to the Rev. Daniel Kuol and his wife Deborah at 4:30 am Thursday, February 6, a couple of weeks earlier than expected. All are doing well. They expect to return home on Saturday.
The parishioners at Messiah-Trinity will throw a baby shower this Sunday.
|
|
The Rev. Lisa A. Tolliver called as Chaplain to
the Episcopal Church Home
 Bishop White and the Board of Trustees have called the Rev. Lisa A. Tolliver to serve as the next Chaplain of the Episcopal Church Home. Lisa has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky and served the central Kentucky region as a counselor and psychologist for many years. Tolliver comes to us from Norton Healthcare and the Diocese of Lexington. She holds an M.Div from Lexington Theological Seminary and Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. Her work at the Church Home will begin in late February. Information on a Celebration of New Ministry will be forthcoming.
|
|
Spring Gathering: Episco - what?
A spiritual retreat for 7th-12th grade Youth. The theme of the retreat will be Episco - what? At this event we will explore what it means to be an Episcopalian, while also learning more about that book that sits in the pew before you, on Sunday mornings, called the Book of Common Prayer.
The retreat will take place at All Saints Center on March 14th-16th. It will begin 5:00 pm Friday and end 1:00pm Sunday central time. This retreat will cost $99 for early bird registration and $120 for late registration (to begin March 1st). The fees include: tshirt, room and board, as well as snack.
Click here to register!
|
|
KRM's Story Commons
From Kentucky Refugee Ministries
 Kentucky Refugee Ministries cordially invites you to attend Story Commons Lunch & Time Banking Conversation. Join fellow community members, staff, volunteers and some of our newest neighbors for lunch and story telling. Each month we gather as a larger community for a simple practice that transcends time, location and culture... the practice of gathering around table and sharing our stories. This month's story telling theme: "Gifts and Talents for the Common Good." (Our stories will inform the conversation to follow.) Time Bank Conversation is schedule for 1:30 pm. Lunch will be followed by an open conversation with Time Bank members and other interested community members, in exploring the potential of integrating refugees into the time bank process and community. Our new neighbors bring many gifts and skills to our community and the Time Bank may provide a way for these talents to be affirmed or expressed.
|
|
The Rev. Robert T. Jennings announces retirement; The Rev. John D. Koch to succeed as Rector
At the annual parish meeting of St. Francis in the Fields, The Rev. Robert T. 'Robin' Jennings announced he will retire in the Fall of 2014, after more than 31 years as Rector. Jennings also announced that the Vestry had extended a call to the Rev. John D. 'Jady' Koch, Jr. to succeed him as Rector. Koch has served as Associate Minister of Evangelism and Young Families at St. Francis since July 2012. The call of the new Rector comes following a period of self-study undertaken by the parish, and in consultation with Bishop White.
|
|
SGCC Youth Compete in First Game of the Year
From St. George's Community Center
 As basketball season is in full swing here in Louisville and across the country, St. George's Community Center has joined in the excitement. Our 2014 Cable Church Youth Basketball League officially kicked the season off on Saturday, January 11, when the St. George's Community Center youth basketball team competed in the first game of the year. Led by Coaches Vincent Lockard and Jamie Brightwell, the SGCC team is preparing for each game with weekly practices and team building activities. Each member is also required to maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0 throughout the season. All basketball games are hosted at Cable Baptist Church, located at 314 S Wenzel Street. The next game will be held on Saturday February 1 at 3:00 pm, when our youth will place against the Galilee youth team. Please visit our website for more information regarding the schedule.
|
|
The Rev. Peter Whelan Steps Down from Post at St. James' Shelbyville
The Rev. Peter Whelan returns to retirement following five years of service as Priest-in-Charge at St. James', Shelbyville. Fr. Whelan has served in many contexts in the diocese, and will celebrate 48 years of ordained ministry this summer.
|
In Our Wider Church
|
|
Resources Available for Black History Month
From the Episcopal Church
Videos, discussion points and other resources are available for use in observing Black History Monday and Absalom Jones Day on February 13.
Resources are available at no fee here.
The resources include videos from the Episcopal Church two-day event forum, State of Racism In America. DVDs of the State of Racism can be ordered by contacting Ana Arias, aarias@episcopalchurch.org.
For more information contact the Rev. Angela Ifill, Black Ministries Missioner, aifill@episcopalchurch.org or Anne Rudig, Director of Communication arudig@episcopalchurch.org.
|
|
Joint Nominating Committee Chairs Offer Update
From JNCPB
The co-chairs of The Episcopal Church Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop (JNCPB) have issued an update on the group's work and progress.
The JNCPB Committee continues to meet in sub-groups as we focus on the work of preparing for the nomination of the next Presiding Bishop. The committee members are faithfully focused on the charge given them to establish the nomination process for Presiding Bishop leading up to General Convention 2015 in Salt Lake City. Further updates, including timelines and facilitation of the process, will be announced prior to Ash Wednesday.
JNCPB also wishes to thank all who completed the survey issued by the committee which invited broad-based feedback on the desired qualities and gifts of the next Presiding Bishop. The data collected has provided the committee with an overview and understanding of the wishes of the Church.
We ask that you continue to keep JNCPB in your prayers as we continue our important discernment.
Sally Johnson, Diocese of Minnesota
Bishop Ed Konieczny, Diocese of Oklahoma
The JNCPB is comprised of a lay member, a priest or deacon, and a bishop elected from each of the nine provinces of the Episcopal Church, plus two youth representatives, appointed by the President of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Gay Jennings. The General Convention Deputies and bishops serve a three-year term to conclude with the election of the next Presiding Bishop at General Convention 2015 in Salt Lake City, UT (Diocese of Utah).
Please note that Canon Coultas serves as the Province IV representative on the Joint Nominating Committee.
|
|
Discovery to Recovery: Godly Play for Alzheimer's Patients
From The Rev. Lois Howard, Diocese of Lexington
The Time: Any Monday morning since 2007, 10:30 a.m.
The Place: The Breckinridge, a residence for twenty-four Alzheimer's patients in Lexington, Kentucky.
A team of seven women, representing three denominations, rings the doorbell, and we are welcomed into the home. One of the residents greets us: "Here comes the Word of the Lord!" What an incredible greeting!
A second woman looks at us and announces, as she gives each one of us a hug, "It must be Monday morning. You God people always come on Mondays." Staff members are sometimes shocked that she remembers that.
We gather six or seven of the most highly functioning folks and sit around a dining room table for the Godly Play story. We begin by singing, "Jesus loves me." The story begins.
I tell the story of the Exile and Return. As I drop the heavy chain in the sand, a retired Church of God minister says, "When I was a boy, we used to put chains like that on our tires on the cars in the wintertime. Once, my car slid into a ditch and we had to call a tow truck. They used that same kind of a chain to pull my car out of the ditch."
Recovery of a memory-right in the middle of a Godly Play story.
To read more of this article, click here.
|
|
Cultivating "Missional Imagination"
From Joe Bjordal, Episcopal News Service
Five Episcopal bishops, three theologians, diocesan missioners and observers gathered Jan. 21-23 in a suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota, conference center to begin a conversation about discovering a new identity for the church in a new age.
The three-day Missional Summit was designed to explore new ways of interpreting, experiencing and acting out God's mission ('missional imagination') and that engaging in God's mission-not the church's mission-there are possibilities to change the very identity and culture of the church to better serve the world.
Kindred spirits in making change
The gathering included representatives of four Episcopal dioceses who have, according to the host, Minnesota Bishop Brian Prior, "taken a deep dive into the missional church." In his opening remarks he described the participating bishops are "kindred spirits who have begun to make organizational and systemic changes in their dioceses," and said the idea for the Missional Summit, which grew out of conversations with Connecticut Bishop Ian T. Douglas, was that it would be an opportunity for peer learning and sharing best practices and grounded in deep theology.
To read more of this article, please click here.
|
| Events to Come |
|
Soul Searching with Dick Sisto
By: St. Andrew's, Louisville
Nationally known Louisville jazz musician and composer Dick Sisto will bring his vibraphone to St. Andrew's for a session on "Soul Searching" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Sisto will speak about his spiritual and creative journey in composing "Soul Searching," the music composed for a PBS documentary of the same name about Thomas Merton, who was a personal friend of Sisto's. Having heard of the acoustics in our renovated sanctuary, Sisto, a vibraphonist, was delighted not only to accept our invitation to speak but also will perform passages from the musical score, accompanied by pianist Steve Allee.
You are encouraged to bring your friends and family to this program of musical and spiritual storytelling.
In preparation for Sisto's lecture, the Wednesday Program will watch the documentary, provided by Sisto, on Wednesday, Feb. 5. You and your friends are invited join us at 6:45 p.m.in the Parish Room. You are also welcome to come early for the 5:30 p.m. Eucharist in the chapel and for dinner at 6.
Child care will be available. If possible, please let Martha know ahead of time that child care is needed. (mholland@mysaintandrews.org, 452-9581 x 224)
Information on "Soul Searching" may be found at http://www.pbs.org/programs/soul-searching/
(Read on the Diocesan website)
|
I Love Mountains Day in Frankfort, Feb 12-13
By The Rev. Jerry Cappel
The "Green Team" at the Church of the Ascension, Frankfort is making plans to host participation in the 9th annual "I Love Mountains Day" at the Kentucky State Capitol of Frankfort on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 11th and 12th. The annual event is sponsored by Kentuckians for the Commonwealth and Kentucky Interfaith Power and Light. In the morning, members and groups will meet with lawmakers at the capitol. At noon marchers will gather to march from the Kentucky River to the capitol steps, and rally on the capitol steps.
On Tuesday before the rally, at 7 pm, The Church of the Ascension, Frankfort will host the Kentucky Chautauqau presentation of Lilley Cornett: A Voice for the Forest. David Hurt will portray Lilley Cornett, who as a coal minder in Letcher County in the early 1900s, purchased about 500 acres of uncut old growth forest, and over the years resisted all attempts to log or mine the property. The property is now Lilley Cornett Woods, the largest piece of old growth forest in the state of Kentucky. The Chautauqau event is free and open to the public.
On Wednesday, February 12th, the green team of the Church of the Ascension, Frankfort will participate in the I Love Mountains march to the capitol. Any other church groups interested in joining in the march at 12 noon are welcome to stage at the Church of the Ascension, Frankfort on Wednesday.
For more information, call the Rev. Jerry Cappel, Province IV Environmental Network coordinator at (502) 541-8278
|
Organ Recital at St. Thomas Episcopal Church
From St. Thomas, Louisville
The Friends of St. Thomas Music present Denise Bundy Whittington, Organist and Director of Music at Springdale Presbyterian Church in Louisville, KY, in an organ recital at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Sunday, Feb. 16th at 5 pm. Church is located at 9616 Westport Road. Recital is free - donations accepted. Reception will follow in Fellowship Hall. All are invited - plenty of free parking.
For more information please go to the St. Thomas website or call (502) 425-3727.
(Read on the Diocesan website)
|
|
Centering Prayer Workshop
From St. Francis in the Fields, Harrod's Creek
 Mark your calendar now for a workshop on "Contemplative Prayer" led by The Rev. Tom Ward from Sewanee, Tennessee. This prayer workshop is based on the teachings of Fr. Thomas Keating whose desire was to bring the ancient practice of contemplative prayer out of the monastic milieu to those in the hurried, contemporary society. Along with sharing the method of contemplative prayer and its conceptual background, we will also establish the practice of Lectio Divina as a means of reading the Bible. Further information will be available in the February Canticle. Centering Prayer is a form of Christian silent meditation where one lets go of thoughts during periods of prayer typically lasting 20 minutes. It is rooted in the self-emptying love that forms the heart of Jesus' teaching and life. The effect on those who practice it is an ever-increasing awareness of God's action and presence in the course of ordinary life.
The Rev. Tom Ward is the retired university chaplain at the University of the South and now spends his days focusing on the contemplative dimension of the gospel, teaching Centering Prayer and leading retreats.
When: Saturday, March 1st 9:00am - 3:00pm Eastern
Cost: $10 to cover the cost of lunch.
|
|
Dementia and Keeping the Faith
By: Norton Healthcare Church and Health Ministries
A workshop for faith community nurses, health ministers, clergy and students to learn about Alzheimer's disease assessment and care. Programs to keep those with dementia and their caregivers connected to their faith community also will be discussed. Health ministry teams are invited to bring church members who are caring for loved ones with dementia.
The workshop will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2014. Registration and a light breakfast begins at 8:30 AM. The program will run from 9 am to noon at the Norton Healthcare Pavilion at 315 E. Broadway. Nursing contact hours are available. The Norton Healthcare Office of Church and Health Ministries and Norton University offer a variety of engaging courses for clergy and church staff. To learn more about these complimentary professional growth opportunities, visit NortonHealthcare.com/clergy-staff-edu.
|
Ground for Hope Bluegrass and Ground for Hope Kentuckiana
By The Rev. Jerry Cappel
On Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9, the Episcopal Province IV Environmental Network and Kentuckiana Power and Light will join with GreenFaith to host Ground for Hope Bluegrass, and Ground for Hope Kentuckiana, twin events devoted to training and mobilizing for multi-faith action for the earth. The events will host speakers, workshops on preaching, worship, the Bible, energy, eco-justice and facility management.
The events will be:
- Saturday, March 8, 2014, 9 am - 12 noon at Central Christian Church, 205 East Short Street, Lexington KY
- Sunday, March 9, 2014, 2 pm - 7 pm at Highland Baptist Church, 1101 Cherokee Road, Louisville KY
Register and learn more at greenfaith.org/programs/ground-for-hope. For questions call the Rev. Jerry Cappel, Province IV Environmental Network coordinator at (502) 541-8278.
(Read on the Diocesan website)
|
|
Reentry Conference March 8, 2014: Reaching Individuals Beyond the Bars
 A faith-based opportunity to learn more about ministry and offender reentry in Kentucky in partnership with the Louisville Metro Reentry Task Force, Kentucky Council on Crime and Delinquency, Mission Behind Bars and Beyond, Catholic Charities, Kentucky Department of Corrections and your faith community. The conference will be held at Catholic Charities St. Anthony's Campus, 2234 W. Market Street, Louisville, KY, 40212 on Saturday, March 8th, 2014 from 9 am to 3 pm.
|
|
Four Compass Points for the Christian Spiritual Life - A Special Workshop/Retreat
From St. Francis in the Fields, Harrod's Creek
 St. Paul United Methodist Church and St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church are offering two days of special workshops March 22-23, 2014.
"Charting Your Path to God: Four Compass Points for the Spiritual Life" will be held on Saturday March 22 from 7pm-9pm, This program looks at four "compass points" or keys to the spiritual life. The life of faith - of Christian discipleship - needs its own "compass" to help us find our direction toward the heart of God. On Sunday March 23 from 1pm-4:30pm, Carl McColman will share a number of uplifting stories during the "Silent Prayer and Sacred Stories: Spiritual Keys to a Richer Life of Faith."
Carl McColman is an author, a speaker, a teacher, and a Christian Contemplative. He is a lay associate of the Cistercian Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Georgia. You will not want to miss these workshops.
Where: St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2000 Douglass Blvd, Louisville, KY 40205.
Cost: $20 per person (includes an optional light lunch on Sunday)
Scholarships are available if needed: contact Cullen Hornday at (502) 419-6723 for information
Childcare is provided with advance registration by March 9. |
|
Province IV Episcopal Church Women Annual Conference
 The Province IV Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Annual Conference is coming up soon!
The title of this year's conference is "Stir Up the Spirit: Celebremos!".
It will be held in the Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville North Carolina from June 2-4.
For the registration form, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Follow us across the web!
| | |
|
| Prayer |
|
February 16th
We pray for the People of, and the Church in, South Sudan. In our diocese we pray for Messiah-Trinity, Louisville.
|
|
February 23rd
We pray for the Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America and The Most Revd Armando Guerra Soria. In our diocese we pray for the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Louisville.
|
| ENS |
|
 Belanger ordained as Episcopal Church's first French Female Priest
by Matthew Davies
The Rev. Fanny Sohet Belanger loves to help people grow in their relationships with God. At the same time, she says, it is important not to be "trapped" in the church but to engage in mission and to reach out to people where ...
|
|
 Presiding Bishop issues statement on LGBT rights
by The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued the following statement on LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgendered) rights: The Episcopal Church has been clear ...
|
|
 Called to Common Mission, focusing on mission
by Pat McCaughan
Call them Lutheran-Episcopal digital collaborators. Episcopalian Dr. Elizabeth Drescher and Lutheran Pastor Keith Anderson co-authored "Click 2 Save: The Digital Ministry Bible" and closed out the Week of Prayer for ...
|
|
Presiding Bishop preaches on racial reconciliation in New Orleans
by The Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori
The only international museum devoted to slavery is in Liverpool, England. Long before the Titanic, Liverpool was the site of ship manufacturing and trade ...
|
|
|
