The Church in

Hiawathaland

News for and about the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan


On-line news and notes for January 2004
Annual Baptismal Conference is January 10, 2004, 10:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. ESTat St. Stephen's Church, Escanaba. This will be the fifth annual baptismal conference. This year's gathering has been designed to focus on the "journey of faith" we take individually and in community, and retired bishop Tom Ray will be one of the speakers on this topic. Call the diocesan office to register (1-800-236-0087) or send a note to Jane Cisluycis (janecisluycis@dionomi.org )

Annual Winter Youth Rally is February 20-22nd in Escanaba. All Youth in Grades 7-12 are invited and encouraged to attend this year's Winter Youth Rally. Youth will sleep over at St. Stephen's Church Escanaba with adult supervision. With an arrival time of about 7pm on Friday, 2/20, the Rally will include meals, prayers, singing, games, movies, outdoor and indoor activities, music, and Holy Eucharist. The Rally will wrap up after the 10:00am Eucharist on Sunday. The cost of the Rally is $15.00. To register please contact Jane Cyslusis at 1-800-236-0087.

Walter and June Wink will be the leaders for a conference entitled "Becoming a People of Non-Violence" on February 6-8 at Marygrove Retreat Center in Garden. Flyers have been mailed to congregations, for more information or to register, contact Jane Cisluycis at the diocesan office (800-236-0087) or janecisluycis@dionomi.org

The Diocesan Council and Leaders from around the diocese met November 14-15 to review 2003 and set goals for the future. Cliff Crockford facilitated the process, helping participants to identify accomplishments of the past year, existing conditions that we need to take into consideration in the future, our vision and mission, and possible goals. A draft copy of the results of that weekend has been mailed to Council members and other participants, and further refining and prioritizing will take place at the next Council meeting on December 13.

The Medical Insurance Benefits Committee has recommended to Council the health insurance carrier for compensated clergy be changed to the Medical Trust, a part of the national structure of the Episcopal Church. This move will save money and also provide access to a larger staff working on our behalf for both coverage and advocacy around larger issues of insurance and health care in our country.

"Around the Diocese" pictures and articles soon!

Rïse Thew Forrester, Editor

Around the Diocese
Trinity Mackinac Island is posting a monthly newsletter on their home page.
St. Mark's Crystal Falls welcomes new members.
The youth at St. James Sault Ste Marie had a special Christmas Shopping event.
Trinity Houghton and St. Paul's Marquette have their own web sites.