ABUNDANT Times Summer/Fall 2023

Tending the Garden

Summer/Fall 2023

Table of Contents 3

From the Bishop

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The 122nd Diocesan Convention

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Good News Gardens celebrate the local harvest of love

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Episcopal Youth Event makes a joyous return

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From the Community of Deacons

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Human to Human Golf Tournament draws attention to frontline ministries

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An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice

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End Fossil Fuels March NYC draws local support

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Cathedral of the Beloved nurtures ecumenical, community support

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Around the Diocese

ABUNDANT Times is the official news publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts.

The diocesan offices are located at: 37 Chestnut Street Springfield, MA, 01103-1787 Call us: (413) 737-4786 Visit us: www.diocesewma.org Follow us: @EpiscopalWMA

Abundant times

The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher 9th Bishop of Western Massachusetts, Publisher The Rev. Vicki Ix Managing Editor Alison Gamache Layout and Copy Editor

At Diocesan House

The Rev. Dr. Richard M. Simpson Canon to the Ordinary The Rev. Vicki Ix Canon for Communications

Missioners

The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith Missioner for Spirituality and Leadership The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas Missioner for Creation Care The Rev. Christopher Carlisle Director, Building Bridges Veterans Initiative The Rev. Jennifer Gregg Missioner for Servant Leadership The Rev. José Reyes Missioner for Hispanic/Latino Ministries

Cover Photo: Gideon's Garden, Great Barrington, MA. Photo: EpiscopalWMA

From the Bishop The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher 9th Bishop of Western Massachusetts

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’ll be honest. I know very little about tending a garden—a real one, that is. But I do know something about watching ministry take root and grow.

That’s what we are celebrating at convention this year. This is my eleventh year as your bishop.

I’ve watched the mustard seeds of mission grow bigger than we could have imagined because of your faith in Jesus’ mission.

In this issue of ABUNDANT Times, we’ll check in on all the Good News Gardens that have sprung up around our diocese.

It’s so good to see faithful people literally tend a garden and bring the produce to local food pantries.

It’s good for our relationship with Creation to get our hands dirty, to pray and prune until something only God could make becomes sustenance.

Our dedication to climate justice has only deepened over the years thanks to the Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas and the Creation Care Leadership Circle. Bringing the voice of faith to this crisis is so important. And bringing our feet to marches is needed, too. Some of you rode the bus to the public witness in New York City on September 17th. So many congregations in our diocese are celebrating the Season of Creation with the liturgical resource I approved (along with many other bishops). And An Episcopal Path to Climate Justice is in the pilot stage now, funded by a grant from The Episcopal Church.

Another thing that keeps growing is our community of deacons. You’ll hear from

them in this issue—about the Deacon Crawl and the ministries that drive their service to the church and the world.

seeds and I am truly grateful for Mark Rogers’ leadership and for your generous support.

Part of tending the garden is harnessing the resources to support new ministries.

Human To Human had its first fundraiser in September and it was a great success.

All the money raised is going to frontline ministries that affect the most vulnerable among us—our veterans, families that can’t afford diapers, or the cost of the local laundromat. The funds will go to an Episcopal Chaplaincy at the Western Massachusetts Women’s Correctional Center in Chicopee and support Cathedral of the Beloved in Pittsfield.

Human To Human is watering these

There are so many ministries growing in our diocese—more than this issue can hold. Our youth went to Episcopal Youth Event this past summer and our young adults gathered for an annual fall retreat.

There are new seeds to be planted, for sure, and soil that needs some turning, but our garden is a beautiful sign of God’s love here in Western Massachusetts. Let’s take care of it together. ♦ +Doug

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The 122nd Diocesan Convention

he 122nd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts will be held on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 beginning at 8:30 a.m. We are gathering once again at The Conference Center at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Registration for Convention The registration fee this year is $35 per person. Each registrant will be asked for their email address, status at convention, and any dietary or accessibility needs.

We also have an optional question regarding your age, which is being used to identify those who might be interested in the programming of the Young Adult Ministry Network.

Scan the QR code below to go to the registration website:

Smart Device Needed for Voting We will once again use the SimplyVoting platform for elections and any additional resolutions. All delegates will need access to a “smart” device in order to access the voting platform.

Bring Your Parish Banners If you have a parish banner, please plan to bring it to Convention when you come on Saturday for display in our Convention space.

Prayer Requests Throughout our convention the Daughters of the King (DOK) will be offering prayers for Convention and all requested prayers. Please go to the homepage for convention to record your confidential prayer request. All prayer requests will be passed on to the DOK prayer team.

UTO Offering Plan to bring your parish’s UTO offering to Convention. ♦

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Wende Wheeler, Secretary of Convention Photo: submitted

Convention Week Events Racial Reckoning in The Episcopal Church: A Conversation with Canon Stephanie Spellers Monday, October 16, 2023 at 7pm EST (online event)

Canon Spellers will discuss the importance of racial reckoning in The Episcopal Church and will answer questions. The event will be an important lead-in to our vote on an atonement resolution at the Diocesan Convention on October 28th.

Register at www.diocesewma.org/convention/convention-week-events

Annual Budget Hearing

Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 6pm EST (online event) Join Kimberly Foster, CFO for a highlighted tour of the 2024 diocesan budget. Please review the budget memo on the FOR DELEGATES webpage as preparation for the hearing.

Pre-Convention Meeting

Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 6pm EST (online event) Be an informed delegate. Join Secretary Wende Wheeler and Bishop Fisher as we review resolutions and meet the nominees for elected office.

Convention Eucharist

Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 9am EST (in-person and streamed via YouTube) Convention begins with Word and Sacrament. Join the livestream on our diocesan YouTube channel and pray and hear Bishop Fisher’s Address to the 122nd Diocesan Convention. www.youtube.com/@EpiscopalWMA

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Diocesan Convention

Resolution: A commitment to healing the legacy of slavery and racism through an act of atonement Submitted by members of the Beloved Community Commission: The Rev. Tim Crellin, Priest in Charge, St. Paul’s, Gardner The Rev. Dr. Harvey Hill, Rector, St. David’s, Agawam The Rev. Vicki Ix, Vicar, St John’s, Ashfield Mr. Eric LaForest, co-chair of commission The Rev. Dr. Nina Ranadive Pooley, Rector, St. Stephen’s, Pittsfield, co-chair of commission The Rev. George Porter, Rector, Southwick Community Church The Rev. Pamela Porter, Retired

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esolved: that the 122nd Convention of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts directs Diocesan Council and invites the congregations and institutions of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts including the Trustees of the diocesan endowment, and others -- in the name of repentance, reconciliation, and accountability to our siblings of color in our Diocese-prayerfully and purposefully to explore their historic involvement in and present wealth derived from the forced labor of enslaved people, and to explore remedies including the distribution of funds from our unrestricted endowments and from our restricted endowments as may be permissible in acknowledgment of and repentance for the sin and legacy of slavery. We as a Diocese humbly commit to an act of atonement in acknowledgement of our collusion in patterns of systemic racism throughout our history.

The Diocese of Western Massachusetts commits to this action, with the acknowledgement that the injuries and harms from 400 years of abuse in the United States and its colonial antecedents can never be fully healed.

The Diocese commends those congregations that have undertaken a serious study of racism through Sacred Ground and other anti-racism curricula and calls upon all congregations and

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their leadership to undertake anti-racism training and education, and to research and publicize their own specific histories with the legacy of anti-Black racism.

We recommit ourselves as a Diocese to God’s dream of the Beloved Community and take the next necessary steps toward restitution for the sinful legacy of racism that we have inherited.

The Diocesan Convention shall authorize the Beloved Community Commission to investigate and make recommendations on: • Historical research that has been completed and be prepared to share a report with the Diocese focusing especially on the diocesan endowment and the originating funds transferred from the Diocese of Massachusetts upon our founding.

• What initiatives on the part of the Diocese are advisable to support the healing, atonement and repair of historical injuries against Black communities.

• Appropriate communication approaches for truth-telling and storysharing regarding this history, and methods for distributing information to the wider community.

• What actions and goals would be most appropriate to provide redress for harms done, including specific financial commitments and other targets.

• What Diocesan resources, both

• • • • •

financial and otherwise, would be appropriately used to achieve such redress.

What administrative and/or legislative action would be necessary to make such resources available for redress.

Fair and sensible criteria to identify eligible recipients for disbursements.

Proposed policies and mechanisms for disbursements.

Reasonable timeframes for disbursements.

Appropriate methods to educate diocesan parishes about the Committee’s findings.

PROGRESS REPORT — The Beloved Community Commission shall submit a report of current progress for the consideration of Diocesan Convention held in calendar year 2024.

REPORT — Not later than September 1, 2024, the Committee shall submit a report with recommendations to the Bishop, the Diocesan Council, and the Standing Committee. We can never right the wrong that was done to generations of our sisters and brothers in Christ long gone. But we can acknowledge our history, shine light on its troubling chapters, and recognize its impact on lives today. ♦ [Adapted from Diocese of Washington resolution – passed 1/28/23, and Diocese of Massachusetts resolution passed 11/20.]

Resolution submitted to 81st General Convention adjusting Diocesan assessments to the Wider Church Submitted by Donald Chase, Christ Church, Fitchburg

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HEREAS, in our post-COVID and ever-changing world, more and more congregations’ budgets are feeling the strains of ministry – from building maintenance, to appropriate ministry staff to rising healthcare costs.

AND WHEREAS, now more than ever, it is crucial to keep more resources within the local parishes so that ministry can thrive on the congregational and diocesan level; BE IT RESOLVED, that at the 122nd Annual Meeting of the Convention of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts submits the following resolution to the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church and encourages all other dioceses to endorse this or similar resolutions at their 2023 Diocesan Conventions and Councils in advance of the 2024 General Convention: BE IT RESOLVED that the 81st General Convention approves an assessment formula (Canon I.4.6(b)) for the period

January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027 based on a single assessment of each diocese. In each year, 2025-2027, the diocesan total adjusted operating income, as reported in the annual diocesan financial report (Canon I.4.6(j) and Canon I.6.4) for the year two years prior to the year to which the assessment is applied [e.g., 2025 assessments are to be based on 2023-2024 actual income figures], shall be reduced by a $200,000 exemption. A single assessment shall be applied to the remaining amount (balance) at a flat rate of 13.5% ; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That the 20252027 Episcopal Church budget shall be adjusted and managed as set forth in the Canons, Rules of Order, and Executive Council policies and procedures; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church asks Executive Council to set a plan for lowering the diocesan assessment to 10% by 2030.”

Background: This resolution asks the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church to do the hard and discerning work of planning for our future as a denomination. With over $400,000,000 in endowments, The Episcopal Church (DFMS) has a $50,000,000 annualized budget. Based on Line Item 9 of The Episcopal Church’s approved budget, Diocesan Commitments make up over $28,000,000 of that amount. That amount is 15% (the previous assessment rate) of $192,000,000. This means that over 20% of all DFMS and Diocesan expenditures each year ($242,000,000) are done at the DFMS level.

The Episcopal Church is top heavy.

Every organization in the 21st century is retooling for the next generation and the Episcopal Church must do the same. It is out of love for The Episcopal Church, its ministry, history, and future, that we submit this resolution. ♦

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Good New Gardens celebrate the local harvest of love

All photos submitted

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St. Andrew's Church Longmeadow ►

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ounded in 2020, the St. Andrew’s Good News Garden is part of the Longmeadow community garden property found at Pomeroy Plots.

For the past three years, we’ve grown from a modest two-volunteer operation to growing and donating over 1,000 pounds of fresh produce to local soup kitchens, shelters, senior centers, and half way houses.

This year we’ve expanded to a staff of six regular volunteers, and hold services and church events in the garden.

From our inception, we’ve partnered with Rachel’s Table, a non-profit food recovery program of the Jewish Federation of Massachusetts. Our garden helps feed the nutritionally challenged, provides opportunities for training and gardening education, and provides sacred space for spiritual development meditation and regular church services. ♦ - Peter Paradise Michaels

Christ Trinity Church Sheffield ◄

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he Good News Garden at Christ Trinity Church in Sheffield is small. It consists of just 5 small raised beds and is tended by just a few folks. This season, in addition to sharing with church members, we have been sending our produce to Eden Hill, a sober living house in a nearby community. ♦ - The Rev. Erik Karas, rector

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Good News Gardens

Church of the Atonement Westfield ►

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e planted our Good News Garden at the Episcopal Church of the Atonement in Westfield in late May. We began with two raised beds, a big mound of soil and loam, and an enthusiastic group of gardeners. Our Girl Scout volunteers really earned their gardening badges that day! There was music, some dancing, and a cook-out lunch, too!

So far, we have grown radishes, tomatoes, squash, peas, beans, chard, rhubarb, and an herb garden. We have a dedicated group of Holy Weeders and Waterers. The proceeds of the garden are being taken to the Westfield Food Pantry and are also offered in our Little Free Food Pantry. A generous parishioner donated a container for compost we will use for the garden next season and a local business donated barrels for water collection. Our little garden is drawing our wider community closer together. ♦ - The Rev. Sandi Albom, interim

Christ the King-Epiphany Wilbraham ►

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e are very busy harvesting green beans, squash, cucumbers lots of cucumbers, tomatoes, and earlier in season peas.

Our Good News Garden continues to have a banner growing season. Three years past, we began with a 10 foot by 12-foot bed, today we garden in a much larger plot a 12 foot by 40 foot. In the center of our vegetable garden we have beautiful pollinator plants, bee balm, phlox, reseeding of last year’s fennel, penstemon, and salvia. Oh, and we have allowed our stately mullein plant to take up residence alongside of our birdbath.

All our produce is taken to the Survival Center, a local food bank. We are now harvesting twice a week.

The four adults: Kristen (along with her three little girls), Tracy, Mark (and his two daughters), and myself are dedicated

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to the on-going care of our Good News Garden.

This is a hands-on ministry that provides fresh, organic vegetables to those with less resources. Dirty hands with lots of love and lots of work. ♦ - Lydia Bell

St. Paul's Church Gardner ▼

All photos submitted

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Episcopal Youth Event makes a joyous return

The Rev. Megan McDermott Grace Church, Amherst At the train station with the Rev. Joel Martinez (second from left).

Photo: Rev. Megan McDermott

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fter a six-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) —a gathering for high schoolers across the Episcopal Church— returned this summer, meeting from July 4-8 at the University of Maryland, College Park. This was an international event, bringing hundreds of youth together from dioceses across the United States as well as many dioceses outside of the country, such as Diocese of Taiwan and Diocese of Honduras.

Western Massachusetts was wellrepresented! The diocese organized a delegation of five youth to attend: Savannah, Maame, Amory, Holland, and Tom. Two of our youth were from Christ Church Cathedral, Springfield; one from Grace Church, Amherst; one from Trinity Church, Lenox; and one from St. Michael’s-on-the-Heights, Worcester.

We successfully included all three corridors of our diocese! The group was chaperoned by two clergy: myself and the Rev. Joel Martinez, rector of St. Paul’s, Holyoke.

Additionally, Rebecca from All Saints’, South Hadley was a member of the EYE Youth Planning Team. A group of twelve youth met regularly with adult mentors to help shape the event that we

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experienced this summer. EYE planning team members had a separate travel schedule and were busy leading various aspects of EYE events, but all six of our Western Mass. youth were able to meet up for a meal together.

Prior to our trip, the diocesan delegation had a pre-trip meeting to get to know one another—and enjoy some bubble tea—at Grace Church, Amherst. We then met up at the Springfield train station on the morning of July 4th, where we boarded for a lengthy train trip to New Carrolton, Maryland. We adventured onto the Metro to get ourselves to the University of Maryland, College Park stop, where a shuttle then took us to campus.

We checked into a dorm on-campus, where each youth had a roommate.

Most excitingly, our rooms had air conditioning to keep us cool in the hot July weather.

For the rest of Episcopal Youth Event, our time was filled with worship gatherings featuring a lively band (that inspired much jumping, swaying, and dancing!) and speakers like Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, President of the House of Deputies Julia Ayala Harris, Bishop Deon Johnson of the Diocese of Missouri, and a number of youth speakers; workshops

on subjects like social media, vocational discernment, climate action, suicide prevention ministries, and more; and fun events, such as a Neon Dance Party and a Family Feud-style game night. A muchspoken about highlight of Episcopal Youth Event was the presence of so many dancing bishops! We also had a chance to meet with other youth across New England in a Province I meetup and share the highs and lows of our EYE experience.

Walking to worship.

Photo: Rev. Megan McDermott

Youth delegates and bishops at EYE23.

Photo: submitted

Much of the event focused around the story of Esther, who was called into action “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) and the way that each youth participating is called to serve God in this particular time with its unique challenges.

All participants were gifted a bracelet with a verse from Esther on it to help remind them of this message.

Asked about his favorite part of Episcopal Youth Event, Amory said, “My favorite aspect about the Episcopal Youth Event was getting to experience worship in a different setting and style than I usually do. Being able to witness the diverse ways in which we can worship was an immensely valuable experience that has stuck with me.” Maame and Savannah agreed that their favorite part of Episcopal Youth Event was meeting new people. Maame also said it helped deepen her understanding of Christianity.

As a chaperone, I noted how valuable— and fun!—it was to get our high schoolers from different churches together and build their connection over the course of several days. It was also great to see our delegation get acquainted with a new way of expressing themselves in worship.

The next Episcopal Youth Event will occur in 2026. If you have youth in your life or congregation who will be in grades 9-12 during the 2025-2026 school year and will be between 15 and 19 years old during summer 2026, please make sure this is on your radar and your church’s radar. High schoolers may have only one opportunity to attend an Episcopal Youth Event, and it’s certainly something not to be missed. ♦

Photo: Rev. Megan McDermott

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From the Community of Deacons Our second annual Deacon Crawl took place this year on June 11th. Our deacons left their assigned parish and went to a different parish for one Sunday. Our goal was to send deacons to parishes that have never had a deacon or haven’t had one in a long time. We preached and spoke with parishioners, answering questions as they arose.

This all stemmed from a person saying “how do I know if I’m called to be a deacon if I’ve never seen one?” Here are a few reflections from our deacons.

- The Ven. Rev. S. Jane Griesbach, Archdeacon

The Rev. Beatrice Kayigwa St. Paul's, Gardner

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his was my second Deacon Crawl experience and this year I visited St. John’s Church, Athol. I had a warm welcome and I shared about how someone becomes a deacon, and steps to take e.g., praying, sharing your call with your priest, etc.

I was the preacher of the day. The Gospel reading was from Matthew 9:9-13; 1826. In this reading, we see Jesus calling Matthew to follow Him. When Matthew heard Jesus calling him, he left his tax booth and followed Jesus. Hearing this, we get a challenge that when we hear Jesus calling us to follow him, will we drop what we are doing to follow him?

Photo: submitted

Following Jesus, Matthew witnessed how Jesus approached everyone and took them in as they were. He had compassion on everyone. Jesus did not spend all his time in the Temple; he served all communities by showing mercy to those regarded as outcasts. Being a deacon is obeying Jesus’ call to come join in the movement and inviting others to join in serving the Lord and being His witness to what we do in the world. ♦

Photo: submitted

The Rev. Jac Essing St. Paul's, Holyoke

Photo: submitted

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timeline. And it turns out, I don’t have to be entirely in charge! What a relief!

Returning to share about my journey and discernment to the diaconate, I mentioned in my sermon that there’s seemingly never a “right time” or “correct path” to take to follow God’s call. Being someone who likes to have things planned in advance, I struggle with the open-endedness of this approach, yet it is also where I am called to practice my faith in God—God’s people, plan, and

Many thanks to the support of Bishop Fisher, participating parishes (whether those who received or those who had their deacon missing for a day-in-action), and, of course, Archdeacon Jane in coordinating and making this happen! ♦

had the great pleasure of going to Grace Church in Amherst as part of the annual Deacon Crawl. It was lovely, in part, because it was a “return” of sorts. I had previously served there as a Lawrence House Intern and then as their Youth Ministry Coordinator.

Many people shared their own journeys and considerations, finding some of what I shared relevant. And that’s the gift of these occasions—we get to remember we’re not alone in it, and we can have a few laughs about it, too.

"Where there is a need, often a deacon can be found!"

The Rev. Lora Smith St. Andrew's, Longmeadow

Photo: submitted

The Rev. Margot Page All Saints, North Adams

Photo: EpiscopalWMA

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’m a fairly new deacon in this diocese, although I have been a deacon for 20 years now. It has been my pleasure to serve at St. Andrew’s, Longmeadow, where I am privileged to serve with a fantastic ministry team. I also help with the clothing ministry of Lydia’s closet. We provide baby and children’s clothing and gear to foster families and other families in need.

In this year’s Deacon Crawl, I served a Sunday at Trinity Church, Lenox. Being with the parishioners and Father Michael Tuck was truly enjoyable. I enjoyed meeting folks from the area and even caught up with a friend and her husband from my previous life in Potsdam, New York. I reflected on diaconal ministry during my sermon opportunity, describing my ministry as a “filling in the

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t was a great pleasure to be sent to my home parish of St. John’s in Williamstown for the Deacon Crawl this past June. Preaching about the diaconate to my friends and church family gave me the opportunity to thank everyone for their generosity of spiritual and financial support. What a fantastic way to tell the folks who had stood by me during the early days of my questioning and formation what the diaconate is and what deacons do! I was surprised by the interest and questions that followed and delighted to go more deeply into what this ministry means to me.

I am daily inspired by the community of friends who live with the challenges of housing and food insecurity in Pittsfield and North Adams. In Pittsfield I am part of several outreach programs including a weekly walkabout with a wagon offering cold water and snacks to folks we meet.

We now know the names and faces of new friends, many of whom live in tents

gaps” sort of ministry. Where there is a need, often a deacon can be found!

This year I have had the privilege of being part of a prison ministry team serving at the Women’s Correctional facility in Chicopee. We hold a Bible study on Monday evenings and I have to say that I have never helped lead such a dedicated and faithful group of women. One woman has never missed the study and several others are faithful as well. Sometimes our group is large, other times small in number, but always there is great discussion.

I look forward to our upcoming deacon’s retreat which will provide all of us with some much-needed time for silent reflection, renewal, and of course, time to connect with our fellow sisters and brothers in Christ. ♦

or fragile shelters on the streets. I am always touched by the smiles and open conversations we share as we visit for a while along the way. Another summer ministry has been taking our weekly Lectio Divina style worship outside to a local park. We often share the space with folks who are sheltered there for the day and have been blessed by the experience.

In North Adams, I am involved with the Tent of the Beloved which is a grassroots initiative to create space for folks to stop by and share a beverage and some snacks. We have been discerning our mission and identity after our first year of ministry and look forward to hearing what God has in mind. It is a joy to be part of two distinctly different community outreach ministries which have the common core of bearing witness to the love and grace of God in the faces and stories of our friends and neighbors. ♦

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From Our Deacons

Deacons go to Washington to end suicide The Rev. Jason A. Burns St. John's, Northampton

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n Friday, June 2nd—at what felt like the crack of dawn—I boarded an Amtrak Train bound for Washington D.C. with my friend and colleague The Rev. Derek Scalia, archdeacon of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire. A short seven hours later we arrived at Union Station. We were participating in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk, which is a 16-18 mile walk for suicide awareness that occurs through the night hours.

The closing ceremony occurs at dawn, symbolizing the emergence from the darkness.

In the early evening we headed to the Lincoln Memorial, checked in, sat down on the grass and watched new arrivals over the next few hours, many wearing shirts with their loved ones’ pictures on them.

There was laughter and joy, but there was also sadness. As the opening ceremonies began with the usual platitudes, I wanted nothing more than to get started. I wasn’t sure I needed to hear the gratitude for us all being there or for how much money we had raised, though $2.7 million is nothing to shake a stick at. Then came the personal stories.

Some walkers were there because of their children, some for their parents, some for their friends, and even some for themselves.

Everyone had their own reason for being there. Everyone has their own story. As I listened to them my joy and excitement at being there continued but became tempered with an overwhelming feeling

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of loss and sadness; within moments I began to cry as the reality of why we were there reared its painful, ugly, and very real head. We were all there because we were either personally touched or knew someone who had been touched by suicide.

As a ministry, suicide prevention is difficult. It is rare that we get to know whether anything we do or say saves a life. I happen to know that I have, and that is a large part of why I do this work.

It was a privilege to walk 16.7 miles through the dark streets of Washington D.C. because I know that for me, the walk was not actually about raising money. It was about showing the world that the Church cares about the issue of mental health. Derek and I chose to wear our clerical collars for the entire walk to send the clear message that the Church was present at this event.

Greater Springfield Out of the Darkness Community Walk October 21, 2023

School Street Park Agawam, MA

The walk is over now, but the presence of the Church and our commitment to this issue is not, which is why our diocese has created a Commission for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention, which is a working title that will be refined with time. The commission’s goal is to provide informational and liturgical resources and to sponsor and participate in events such as the Greater Springfield Out of the Darkness Community Walk, which will take place on October 21, 2023. Keep an eye out for ways you can help us do this important work. ♦ Learn more about the Greater Springfield Out of the Darkness Community Walk on October 21, 2023: www.afsp.org/springfieldma Photo: submitted

Path to Postulancy and Deacon School Jaclyn Mayo Christ Church, Fitchburg

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deacon is a bridge between the church and the world.” When I heard that, I knew it was exactly what God was calling me to be. I was in the middle of Loving the Questions, a class in our diocese for those discerning God’s call in their lives, and even though I had yet to meet a deacon at the time, I just knew. The next few months were spent confirming that call (i.e. meeting and talking and praying with A LOT of people), and then I became a postulant and started Deacon School.

The Province 1 School for Deacons is pretty special. I’m three classes deep now, but initially, I had no idea what to expect. Before I came to the Episcopal Church, I was a college campus minister and had attended a Baptist seminary.

I was a little worried that my deacon classes would be boring repeats of things I’d already studied (and honestly, I wondered if I could just skip ahead), but I was wrong, and I couldn’t be more thankful for our school.

First of all, I REALLY need these two years of studying to prepare myself to be a deacon. I get to study and worship alongside other postulants from all over New England who are on different legs of their journeys, and we learn from and mentor each other. Secondly, and this seems obvious now, the classes all have a deacon “bent” to them. So while I’ve studied preaching before, I’d never studied and practiced preaching like a deacon and with a deacon’s voice. It’s very different!

At Deacon School, we learn about our Episcopal faith and practices, which is incredibly helpful for those of us who didn’t grow up in The Episcopal Church and don’t have all the liturgical lingo down (just what is a tippet?), but most importantly, we learn about being a deacon. Through all of our subjects and the books we read and papers we write, we nurture and build that deacon fire within us, gaining a deeper understanding of God’s beauty and love so we can better be God’s hands and feet in this broken and hurting world. ♦

Photo: submitted

Prison Ministry The Rev. Terry Hurlbut St. David's, Agawam

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ears ago, I would never have thought to spend time with people that society has deemed guilty of crime. “You made the choice; you live with it.” Over the years, thankfully God has changed my thoughts on empathy, love, and service towards others.

When asked to participate in the woman’s prison ministry, I was somewhat reluctant, but felt God asking me once again to reach outside my familiar walls towards serving others. So we, a group of ordained and laity, began serving

the women in the correctional facility in Chicopee. What I’ve come to realize is that I get more out of it than they do.

I have come to realize these women are aware of the choices they have made and now have the time to reconcile with society, their families, themselves, and with God. We recently spoke about how challenging it is for all of us to find “quiet” time with God each day. They told us that that is one of the gifts that God has given them in prison—time to listen to God. So when you are faced with a possibly un-empathetic heart, or are afraid to reach out to others, realize that God puts people in our lives as a way to get closer to him. You don’t need to be a bishop, priest, or a deacon to serve. ♦

Photo: EpiscopalWMA

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Human to Human Golf Tournament draws attention to frontline ministries The Rev. Vicki Ix Managing Editor, ABUNDANT Times

Bishop Fisher at the H2H Golf Tournament.

Photo: Lainey Hurlbut

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H

uman to Human is a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts committed to resourcing emerging frontline ministries within and beyond the walls of our churches. Human to Human: • supports the serving of over 1,000 free meals a month to veterans, • provides diapers for over 100 families a month, • sustains a chaplaincy to those incarcerated at the Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional facility in Chicopee, • makes “go bags” available to children entering foster care, and • once a month assures the dignity of clean clothes for families in need.

To increase awareness and sustain the mission, Human to Human sponsored a golf tournament on September 18th at the beautiful Ledges Golf Course in South Hadley, MA. Lunch was served at 11:30 and play began an hour later.

Bishop Fisher teed off with his foursome of registered participants. “When I was driving here in a downpour, I was feeling sorry for myself that I would have to play golf in the rain,” Fisher said at the opening. “And then I remembered that many of the people served by Human to Human sleep outside on the streets in rain, cold, and extreme heat. And I remembered why Human to Human is so important to me.”

Mark Rogers, executive director of Human to Human, is encouraged by this first effort. “The tournament was a success by all measures. We raised some money and awareness. We had three car seats donated to Lydia’s Closet and a fair amount of diapers for Marie’s Mission.” ♦

Photo: Lainey Hurlbut

Find out more about the ministries currently funded by Human to Human at www.humantohuman.org.

Mark Rogers Photo: submitted

Photo: Lainey Hurlbut

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An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice Creation Care Grant Enables Both Dioceses to Explore New Model The Rev. Rachel Field Diocese of Vermont

T

he groaning of creation has been increasingly audible as we witness (and experience) the ways that climate change is driving ecosystem collapse around the world.

As Episcopalians, we believe that our relationship with God’s creation is sacred, and that what we do to “the least of these” is felt in the heart of God. From that posture of relationship, the two Episcopal dioceses in Massachusetts have joined together to create a substantial framework to help congregations engage meaningfully in the work of creation justice.

This initiative, An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice, is grounded in four areas: pray, learn, act, and advocate.

The Path is a dynamic and interactive collection of resources for parishes seeking to assess their level of engagement with creation justice in each of these four areas and to find support for going deeper. For example, a parish that has taken action to complete an energy audit of the building might be surprised to learn that there are feast days in the Episcopal calendar that celebrate planting and harvest. In this case, the parish is heavily engaged in action, but could use deepening in prayer.

In developing this path, the Creation Care Justice Network of both Massachusetts

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dioceses recognizes that transformation includes not only education, but also moral support, friendly encouragement, and trying out new ways of being. The Path is therefore not merely a collection of resources; it also offers monthly meetings with a trained Companion who serves as an interpreter of the resources and a spiritual guide for the parish in their work of self-reflection and deepening involvement.

of the Path. During the pilot phase we will evaluate our training program for Companions and will monitor and evaluate the impact of the Path on the 12 parishes enrolled. The pilot phase will conclude on Earth Day 2024 with a day of public celebration, liturgy, and inspiring climate speakers, including Bill McKibben (350.org and Third Act). After a thorough review and revision of the Path, we aim to open the Path to all Episcopal dioceses and to other members of the Anglican With the support of a Creation Care grant Communion during General Convention from the Episcopal Church’s Task Force 2024. ♦ on Creation Care and Environmental Racism, the two Massachusetts dioceses have launched a six-month pilot version

The Rev. Rachel Field Photo: submitted

End Fossil Fuels March NYC draws local support

Clockwise from above: • The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas (left) and Jim Antal (right) with the Rev. Fletcher Harper (center), Executive Director of GreenFaith, at the September 17th march.

• The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas (right) ran into Phoebe Chatfield (left), Program Associate for Creation Care on the Presiding Bishop's staff.

• The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas (center) with parishioners from Grace Church, Amherst.

• A "Declare Emergency" banner.

• John and Lucy Robinson, faithful lovers of creation from Grace Church, Amherst.

• A "No Faith in Fossil Fuels" banner.

All photos submitted.

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The gathering in the Ellet's backyard.

Photo: submitted

Cathedral of the Beloved nurtures ecumenical, community support The Rev. Jenny Gregg Founding Director, Cathedral of the Beloved

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n the evening of September 9th, Claudia and Van Ellet—members of St. John’s, Williamstown— opened their home to an evening dedicated to raising funds and friends for Cathedral of the Beloved. 75 people gathered from congregations, nonprofits, the ELCA Synod and the Southern New England Conference (UCC), and from across the Berkshires to hear about the mission and ministry of Cathedral to “be love.”

I spoke about how Cathedral of the Beloved stands at a space in-between: the sacred and the secular, between defined roles and our common humanity, between Episcopal and Lutheran and UCC. This space in-between is one of liminality, a thin place where the goodness in which God created all of creation can come face to face with the brokenness of this world to form a place where beloved community can root.

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It is also this space that draws both congregations and non-profits to the mission and ethos of Cathedral of the Beloved. Eileen Peltier, president and CEO of Berkshire Housing, spoke powerfully about her role in creating houses.

However, in her 17-year experience with housing, she realizes that four walls and a roof do not make a home. Community does this, and community is the one thing people leave when they move into more permanent housing. This is where the mission and relationships provided

by Cathedral of the Beloved become so vitally important.

These basic particles of love that Cathedral plants and works with every week cause a chain reaction, explained Jim Kolesar, member of St. John’s. One such chain reaction is still spilling over in the life of Diane Kvidera who began with Cathedral, and is now participating at St. John’s, Williamstown and Tent of the Beloved in North Adams. The love that found her at Cathedral of the Beloved continues to find her and open her heart in the most trying of circumstances. She shared the difficulty of living next door

The Rev. Jenny Gregg speaks at the gathering.

Photo: submitted

to a neighbor who struggled with mental illness.

Kvidera writes, “Any encounter would tenuously impel [my neighbor] to accost me and I would physically tense as I tried to appease her. And then one day during the middle of one of her fits, these words arose from me: ‘I’m your neighbor and I love you as I love myself. And you are my neighbor and I know you love

me as yourself.’ She softened and we hugged—meaningfully. She still refers to our heartfelt hug when she is struggling.”

In addition to raising just over $5,000 for Cathedral of the Beloved, other community connections were born.

Among the attendees was Jenny Herzog, founder of Chaos Theory. Chaos Theory uses “arts to connect community members who have been impacted by the cycle of violence to stakeholders, policymakers and the public.” (www. joinchaostheory.com) Herzog had just finished making a documentary on youth and gun violence in the region.

She came to the gathering knowing the hosts Claudia and Van Ellet. She

was curious about a venue to host a screening for the documentary and other communal support. At the gathering, Herzog connected with The Rev. Michael Tuck, who has consistently held a Gun Violence Requiem each month at Trinity Church, Lenox; with Bishop Fisher, who is a member of Bishops United Against Gun Violence; and with The Rev. Joel Bergeland, pastor of Zion Lutheran.

The diocese has helped to fund Cathedral’s ministry since its genesis in 2014. We are so grateful for it. If you would like to give to Cathedral of the Beloved, you can scan the QR code below to give directly. Checks can be made out to Cathedral of the Beloved and mailed to 67 East St. Pittsfield, MA 01201. ♦

While nothing has been finalized as of this publication, the hope is to use the Common Room at Zion Lutheran to help launch this important documentary. More details will be publicized as they become available.

Around the Diocese Susan Olbon

A

fter thirty-two years of faithful service to our diocese, Susan Olbon is retiring from her role as Canon for Administration. Effective April 1st, Susan shifted gears to part-time Human Resources and Compliance Specialist. She continues to be available with more limited hours to provide support regarding benefits and for matters of clergy payroll, clergy housing and tax issues. She will also continue her work in the areas of payroll and benefits compliance as well as providing staff support to the Diocesan Human Resources Committee.

Susan has been a source of good counsel on many matters. Her institutional memory has been invaluable. This transition is helpful to us all. Susan is still with us and for us, and that has always been a blessing.

Susan’s contact information remains the same. ♦

Melanie Stone

M

elanie Stone, Payroll Manager, will take on the role of Office Manager. Melanie will continue to support our congregations with payroll as she takes on staff supervision, hiring, training, IT support, and general operations. Susan has mentored Melanie from the get-go and she has become a strong leader on our team. Melanie’s contact information remains the same. ♦

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The Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts 37 Chestnut St. Springfield, MA 01103-1787

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Bending Towards Justice Annual Day of Prayer & Discernment

January

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Keynote: The Rt. Rev. Allen K. Shin Bishop Suffragan, New York

ABUNDANT Times is a ministry of our diocese and is delivered to each household at no cost.

Donations to defray the cost, however, are gratefully accepted. The cost per household per year is $10.

Gifts can be mailed to Diocesan House at 37 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01103-1787.

Address corrections or deletions may be sent to the same address attention: A. Gamache.