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 February 3rd, 2025
Calendar at a Glance:
Save The Dates:
- February 5 – Clergy Zoom
- February 5 – Senior Wardens sans Clergy Zoom
- February 8 – School for Deacons Zoom
- February 11 – SWAT Zoom
- February 13 – Dept of Finance Zoom
- February 14 – Canon for Administration – Out of Office
- February 15 – Vestry Forms Due in Diocesan Office
- February 15 – 2024 Annual Reports due from Diocesan Committees/Councils
- February 17 – Presidents Day – Office Closed
- February 18 – Commission on Ministry Zoom
- February 20 – Standing Committee Zoom
- February 20 – Province VI Zoom
- February 22 – Diocesan Council Zoom
- February 24 – Clergy Conference Registration opens (hotel registration too)
- March 1 – PAROCHIAL REPORTS DUE TO EPISCOPAL CHURCH
- March 1 – School for Deacons Zoom
- March 5 – ASH WEDNESDAY
- March 5 – Clergy Zoom
- March 5 Senior Wardens sans Clergy Zoom
- March 11 – SWAT Call
- March 18 – Commission on Ministry Zoom
- March 19-24 – House of Bishops, Camp McDowell
- March 20 – Standing Committee Zoom
- April 13 – PALM SUNDAY
- April 20 – EASTER DAY
- April 29-May 1 – Clergy Conference with Rev. Tom Brackett
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From the Bishop’s (Sabbatical) Desk
A Reflection from Bishop Marty
This time period was to be partial with family. However, the southern winter storm closed the airport, and all those nearby, that we were supposed to fly in. So the gathering has had to be rescheduled to another season. Instead, Bob and I did some more local touring. I found a book called Black Montana that has illuminated an understanding of why we had such a demographic shift from the 1890’s to the 1930’s.
A couple of quotes from books that I have been reading:
The Moth published a book, “How to Tell a Story” about oral storytelling of true stories told in the first person. Here is a core quote, “When you choose to share a story, you share a piece of yourself. Stories explain your heart, decode your history, decipher who you are, and translate it all to whoever takes the time to listen carefully. They’re what make families, friendship, and love possible. They’re both ordinary and exquisite. Stories are the currency of community. They tear down walls, unite cultures, and help people realize they are more alike than different, all while celebrating what is unique to you.” From there, I plan on learning to tell stories that are not first person (though it is an interesting theological exercise to retell a biblical story in the first person).
In light of some of the recent events reported in media around the world of people being marginalized or attacked, or even killed, for who they are, I leave you this quote from Elie Wiesel’s Sages and Dreamers discussion on the Book of Ruth, Elie points out a core Jewish belief. “In general, Jewish tradition insists on every person’s right to be different. Having been a stranger in Pharaoh’s Egypt, one is therefore compelled to respect all strangers for what they are. One must not seek to change their ways or views: One must not try to make them resemble oneself. Every human being reflects the image of God, who has no image: mine is neither purer nor holier than yours. Truth is one, but the paths leading to it are many. In the eyes of the Father, all His children are worthy of His love. In my eyes, the Other is the center of the universe, just as any Other ought to be in his or her eyes. Only in totalitarian regimes do all citizens look and speak and act alike.”
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California Fires
Prayer from Bexley Seabury
God of refuge and strength,
We lift up those in the path of this fire,
those who are evacuating,
and those who are risking their lives to protect others.
Cover them with Your peace,
shield them with Your love,
and guide us as we find ways to support them.
Amen.
Wildfire Response Fund
Did you know that population of Los Angeles County is greater than all but 7 states in the Union? That’s a lot of souls threatened and effected by wildfire.
Episcopal Relief & Development is working with local diocesan partners to assess the needs of evacuees and provide support in the coming days. As the scope of the disaster continues to unfold, we need your help. Please make an urgent gift to our Wildfire Response Fund here.
A personal connection…
Many of you will remember the Revs. Sylvia Sweeney and Bob Honeychurch, the interim rectors who served St. James, Bozeman, before Rev. Rowan was called as Rector.
Sylvia and Bob resided just north of LA and their home has been destroyed. Prayers are appreciated for them in their loss, as well as all their neighbors. We will keep you appraised of personal efforts to help.
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Dignity not Mass Deportations
The Episcopal Migration Caucus is trying to focus on what the Church can do to help migrants… see document below. Would appreciate your endorsement and whatever we can do to spread this through the Diocese!
This time, we are seeking organizational endorsements as well as individual! Invite other Episcopalians and Episcopal organizations, and any other supporters, to share and endorse it.
Individual endorsements can be made using this form:
https://forms.gle/wcN8Tabet92xXCMT9
Organizational endorsements can be made using this form:
https://forms.gle/dZnh3UcptFYjfddWA
Episcopal Migration Ministries Suggested Actions
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Spring Youth Event –
March 14-16 – Great Falls
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Fr. Sadie Koppelberger, our diocesan Director of Formation, at formation@diomontana.com
At Camp Marshall:
Why I like GaGa Ball
by John Bertram
One of the most popular activities at camp is GaGa Ball. For the uninitiated, it is similar to dodge ball and played in circular wooden pit, think cage match dodge ball. At the beginning of each round a rubber ball is thrown into the middle and you say, Ga – Ga – Ball for the three times it bounces before play can start.
The genius of the game comes from the simple rule that you must be hit with ball below the knees to be out. This rule is the great equalizer, the smallest kids now have the smallest target and are much harder to get out. This combined with the small court and low walls means the most athletic kids often hit the ball out or unintentionally ricochet it back on themselves, resulting in them getting themselves out. The games are fast and furious and often reward cautious verses aggressive play, and you never know who is going to win.
It is a space where all are welcome, and all are equal. Parents and counselors can hold their own against teenagers, the youngest child gets a superpower against their older siblings. Often you get to feel like David and get Goliath out. There is a sense of comradery and respect that comes from participating in these intense games. Occasionally even the Clergy are brave enough to enter the ring and you can witness how the relationship between that clergy and the kids is instantly, and irrevocably transformed.
You can always spot a group of GaGa Ball players returning from the pit, they are exhausted, covered in dust from head to toe and with a smile on everyone’s face as they retell tales of greatest victories and defeats.
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Camp is hiring!
In order to welcome (and keep safe) people of all ages and abilities, we need a staff of all ages and abilities!
If you’re interested in working or volunteering at Camp this summer, please get in touch with Camp Director, James Gartner at camp@diomontana.com
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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!
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State of Montana Charitable Giving Campaign – SECGC # for Episcopal Diocese/Camp Marshall is 5614
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General News Around Our Diocese:
Congregational Newsletters
Click here to read church newsletters from around our diocese.
Tell Congress You Oppose Mass Deportations We urge all Episcopalians to contact your representatives in Congress, ask them to publicly oppose mass deportation, and emphasize the importance of upholding our nation’s values of compassion, justice, and respect for human dignity.
Join our Episcopal Church Immigration Updates – Every other Tuesday at 1 pm EST, please join Episcopal Migration Ministries and the Office of Government Relations for regular 30-minute updates on U.S. immigration policy and the responses in our churches and communities. Spanish interpretation will be available.
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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
Liturgical Resources
The Living Compass Model for Well-being
National Cathedral Morning Prayer Online
Daily Office Mission St. Clare
