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Dear Ones,
As we take the next steps in discerning possible reunification with the Diocese of Northern Indiana, I’m delighted to announce the leaders who will make up the half of the team representing our diocese. Like the Diocese of Northern Indiana, our team is drawn from our Standing Committee, Executive Council, and two “at-large” members.
Our joint discernment will be facilitated by the Rev. Jennifer Adams, rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Holland, Michigan. Rev Jen, as she prefers to be called, brings a wealth of experience serving and leading as a priest in the Diocese of Western Michigan and in the broader Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion. Bishop Doug Sparks and I believe she will guide us well as she has experienced the collaborative relationship between the dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan and as she is facilitating a reunification conversation between the dioceses of Bethlehem and Central Pennsylvania.
Bishop Doug and I will both be present at the first meeting of the Reunification Discernment Team taking place March 17-18. This gathering will be an essential first time in building relationships and trust within the team and laying out the first steps for a process of discernment. Please see the announcement below for the full details on our discernment team.
As we take these next steps I have been praying the classic prayer for guidance—I invite you to join in this prayer and for those who have accepted the call to serve on our team.
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Faithfully,
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