Give glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine:  Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever.  Amen. (Ephesians, 3:20, 21)

Introduction:

Below, please find this week’s communications and reminders from The Episcopal Diocese of Montana.  We hope you will find the weekly update useful.

Week of December 9th, 2024

Calendar at a Glance:

Save The Dates:

  • December 11 – Pastor Ryan Eikenbary Installation Incarnation, Great Falls, Clergy are welcome to attend!!!
  • December 15 – Bishop Visitation to Holy Spirit, Missoula
  • December 17 – Province VI Zoom
  • December 19 – Standing Committee Zoom
  • December 21 – Jocelyn Snider Ordination to Transitional Diaconate, St. Paul’s, Chattanooga
  • December 22 – Bishop Visitation to St. Paul’s, Fort Benton
  • December 24/25 – Bishop at St. James’, Lewistown
  • December 25-January 1 – Bishop on Vacation
  • January 2-March 16 – Bishop on Sabbatical
  • March 19-24 – House of Bishops, Camp McDowell
  • April 29-May 1 – Clergy Conference with Rev. Tom Brackett

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Shine Your Light 2x as Bright

To celebrate the season, a group of generous donors has offered to match every donation we receive until the end of the year — dollar for dollar — up to a total of $750,000.

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Interest in FORMA 2025

Date:
Monday, January 27-Thursday, January 30, 2025

Locations:
The entire conference will stream through Zoom and participants can join us online from anywhere. A variety of onsite locations will also be available for those who wish to participate in the conference in community. More information on locations coming soon.

2025 Forma Conference Theme:
Our theme for 2025, Come Away Together (Retirémonos Juntos) comes from Mark 6:31-32: “‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ …And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.” (NRSVA).

For more information visit: 2025 Forma Conference | Forma

To Register click here!

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At Camp Marshall:

Camp Friends
by John Bertram

Isaac and Levin’s friendship was first forged in the sandbox in pre-school. As they grew up, they
separated into different schools and then into different cities across the state. However, each
year they have been able to reconnect during their time at camp.
It is a week of competing for the most bullseyes on the archery course, the biggest splash off
the dock, and the most beautifully arranged breakfast waffle. They work together to pass the
kayak test, complete the challenges of the ropes course, and develop a new skit for the talent
show. During sunrise kayaks around Dream Island, and in whispers across bunks late at night,
they rediscover and share each other’s passions, frustrations, and dreams.
By putting down their phones, unplugging from the news and YouTube, and not being able to
play video games, they rediscover a world of old-fashioned fun, life-changing challenges, and
the space to really talk and listen. Camp provides the time to truly invest in and celebrate a
friendship which has led to an unbreakable bond. It creates the kind of enduring friendship we
all need and wish we had.

Camp Marshall Wish List

Please Click on the link below to view Camp Marshall’s Wish List on Amazon and to make a purchase for camp. It would be greatly appreciated!

Amazon.com

Click here to donate Thrivent Choice funds to camp.

State of Montana Charitable Giving Campaign – SECGC # for Episcopal Diocese/Camp Marshall is 5614

General News Around Our Diocese:

Congregational Newsletters
Click here to read church newsletters from around our diocese.

United Thank Offering:

UTO Grant Applications are Open for 2025

Offering a new review process to help applicants, the United Thank Offering Board announces the opening of its 2025 annual grantsprocess, with a focus on projects that address water issues. Applications are due by 5 p.m. ET Jan. 10 for initial review; changes can then be made to reviewed applications before final submission by 5 p.m. Feb. 7.

YOU MUST HAVE THE APPLICATION TO DIOCESAN OFFICES BY DECEMBER 15TH FOR THE BISHOP TO REVIEW AND SIGN!!!!

Link for Application Details

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Office of Government Relations

Call on Congress to block military sales to Israel Please reach out to your member of Congress and ask them to support the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval and stop sending offensive weapons to Israel!

A Beacon of Hope: Celebrating New Protections for Lebanese Nationals The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations is pleased to share that the Department of Homeland Security has recently announced the extension of crucial protections for Lebanese nationals currently in the United States, a decision that reflects the values we hold dear as a faith community.

United States Government Resources – October Please explore this selection of government resources that you may find useful in your diocese, congregation, and community.

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God’s people around the world:

Congregational Resources

Lamplight – November 2024

Explore Gifts for Life | Episcopal Relief & Development

Other news and upcoming Events:

Press Release Digest from The Episcopal Church – Welcome to “The Episcopal Church Press Release Digest,” a roundup of press releases, announcements, and other updates from the Office of Public Affairs.  Click here to read

UTO E-News – December

UTO Leaders E-News – December

CPG (Church Pension Group) Connect

Episcopal News Service

Anglican News Service

Episcopal Public Affairs Office

Liturgical Resources

Episcopal Advent Resources

Creation Care

Episcopal Common Prayer

National Cathedral Morning Prayer Online

Daily Office Mission St. Clare

Forward Movement