The Basics of Faith-Based Public Advocacy - a mini-series
Hosted by the Public Theology Matters Network

You are invited to join an upcoming series on public policy advocacy offered by the Public Theology Matters Network!

When: Tuesdays in October, 6:00pm ET / 5:00pm CT (Oct. 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th)
Where: Zoom! Register here to attend any or all of the events. They will be recorded for later viewing.
Who: The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford is the convener of the Province V Public Theology Matters Network and founder of Political Theology Matters. Office of Government Relations will join two of the four sessions. Information on each session and the speakers is below. 
 
Session I. How to be an Advocate - October 6
Mr. Alan Yarborough, Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations, will begin our conversation about the role of advocacy in the broader framework of engaging the wider world, carrying our faith out through action. This will include tips for engaging in advocacy and the role of relationship-building between the Church and government officials, as well as civic participation. He will also review the role of the Office of Government Relations and how people can get involved through the Episcopal Public Policy Network.
 
Session II. Moses and Jesus as Public Theologians - October 13
The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford, civil rights attorney, explores our call to public advocacy through the Call of Moses and his role in the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and Jesus’s public call to mission on the Road to Emmaus and in the breaking of the bread. Through this lens, we will be grounded in a firm biblical foundation in why we do public advocacy, what our call is, and that we believe it to be both important and doable as an ongoing process.
 
Session III. "Can I say that?": Religious Speech, the First Amendment and your 501(c)3 Status - October 20
Learn about what the "separation of church and state" means. We'll explore the relationship of religious speech (by churches and individuals) and the First Amendment. We will touch on the following topics:
1) Church advocacy for social justice;
2) Individual faith-based advocacy in various forms;
3) Using Zoom groups, we will look at IRS case scenarios;
4) The six protections of the First Amendment.
 
Session IV. What does the world really think about the U.S.? - October 27
The Rt. Rev. Doug Sparks, Bishop of Northern Indiana, will share a compelling story about how the USA is perceived from other places around the world, based on his life-altering experiences in New Zealand. This will lead us into an engaging conversation around racism in the USA.

Facebook Event
Public Theology Matters webpage.
Contact Heather Barta, Province V Coordinator, with any questions.

Coaching Leadership Project

We are excited to share that Province V and the Diocese of Fond du Lac are sponsoring the Leadership Coaching Project or LCP. We are grateful to launch it from a grant of the Roanridge Trust Grant Program. The LCP starts with a cohort of ten “Coaches-in-Training” to be selected from across Province V. Each trainee receives professional coach training. When trained, each Trained Coach makes the commitment to offer support to clergy and leaders in the dioceses of Province V. 

Go to the CLP page for all of the details!

Resources in a time of Pandemic

April 2020
Times are stressful right now.  The Province V office encourages you to stay home and stay safe.  We offer prayers for those on the front lines of fighting this pandemic.

There are a great number of resources available to us during this time.  They are complied below and might give you additional understanding about how you can best help or give you resources for renewal (FUN!).

Please let us know if we can assist in any way, or if you know of additional resources that should be listed here.  Peace to you all!

Resources:
Episcopal Relief and Development - information and weekly webinars to help you manage through the pandemic. Episcopal Asset Map - add your resources or search for others' offerings.
VTS Lifelong Learning:  Online open office hours - Thursdays, 1:15-2:45 (eastern)


Education:
Bridging the Political Divide from the Office of Government Relations, ChurchNext, and Forward Movement
Make Me an Instrument of Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse from ChurchNext and Forward Movement
Prayer and worship in our homes from ChurchNext and Forward Movement
EdX - free online courses from Harvard, the Sorbonne, and many other places. Time this time to learn something new!


Fun:
Online story time
NASA's media library - available for free
Broadway plays - available for free
Scribd - free books for 30 days

Big Provincial Gathering 2021

8/1/20 update:  This event will be virtual
Continue to save the dates for a great opportunity to connect with others
Save the Date!!!
The Province V Executive Board
proudly announces the
Big Provincial Gathering
April 30-May 1, 2021
South Bend, Indiana
 
Special Guest: 
The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies
 
**This event will also include the Triennial Province V Synod Meeting

​Province V is a network of 14 dioceses of the Episcopal Church.
Each diocese gives an apportionment to the Province to support ministries and networking opportunities.

Episcopal Youth Event 2020

Congratulations to Kayla Byrd and Robert Sanchez, youth chosen to be on the planning team and Maggie Foote, an adult planning team member.  Thank you for representing Province V to the larger church!

The Way of Love

Explore Presiding Bishop Curry's
​Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life.
​Learn more here.