Charge Youth Event 2023

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A Youth Event for 6-9th Graders at the Great Wolf Lodge

Episcopalians in 6th-9th grades from around our dioceses are invited to join our Lutheran neighbors from Living Water Ministries for a weekend of fellowship, prayer, fun and community at the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City.

The first wave of Generation Z is growing into adolescence and many of the children in this generation simply don’t have a grasp on who Jesus is and why he is relevant in their everyday lives. Charge is an event that attempts to bridge this gap by providing a powerful faith community where students can grow in faith, engage in service, and develop leadership skills, all while enjoying the amenities of Great Wolf Lodge. Participants at Charge are equipped and empowered to learn, lead, laugh, and love as an expression of their faith in Jesus. It is our hope that participants depart energized to transform the world in the name of Christ!

Worship, small groups, small group time, workshops, recreation options, and an outdoor campfire camp-style are all elements of this powerful gathering of community!

Questions about this event? Please contact McKenzie Knill (Director of Children, Youth, and Young Adult Formation) at mknill@eastmich.org or mknill@edwm.org, or Jeff Brown (Youth Missioner for the Central Collaborative) at jbrown@eastmich.org or jbrown@edwm.org.

DATE & LOCATION

November 10-12, 2023

Check-in: Friday, 6:30pm
Pick Up: Sunday, 1:00pm

Great Wolf Lodge
3575 US-31
Traverse City, MI 49684
www.greatwolf.com

REGISTRATION

The cost to attend is $150 per participating youth and $100 per adult chaperone and includes accommodations, meals, and all materials.

Please register by November 1st.

REGISTER

 

DISCERNMENT WEEKEND

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Take a step in exploring how God may be calling you

Have you ever felt a nagging deep inside, wondering about whether you may be called to ordained ministry? Have you been fighting that feeling? Have others in your life told you you should consider becoming a deacon or priest? Are you interested in exploring a call to ordained ministry?

Then this is the weekend for you.

The Episcopal Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan, in collaboration with the Academy for Vocational Leadership and the Iona Collaborative from the Seminary of the Southwest, is extending an invitation to come together for a weekend of discernment. This event is a first step into considering formal discernment for Holy Orders and is open to all.

Questions about this event? Please contact the Rev. Canon Tracie Little, Canon for the Southern Collaborative and Adult Formation, at 810-300-9177 or tlittle@eastmich.org.

DATE & LOCATION

December 8-10, 2023

Arrival: Friday, 5:30pm
Departure: Sunday, about 3pm

St. Francis Retreat Center
703 E. Main Street
Dewitt, MI 48820
www.stfrancis.ws

REGISTRATION

Participants are asked to cover the cost of their room, $98. All other costs and materials are covered by the dioceses.

Please register for the Discernment Weekend by November 15th.

REGISTER

Naucratius Hog Camp

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March 6-10, 2024 in Clinton, Louisiana

Join the Order of Naucratius for the second annual Hog Camp hunting retreat! We will immerse ourselves in the care of creation by learning ethical methods to hunt, butcher, process, and cook wild game from God’s abundance.

Hog Camp is intentionally designed for a broad range of hunting skills. We turn the Brady Property into a Hunting Village where we eat great food, laugh, learn, pray, and hunt. We also welcome participants who chose NOT to hunt! Because of the number of participants and our varying skill levels, this will be a very controlled hunt (loner cowboys and rogue participants should find another trip.)

Participants will have the opportunity to hunt each day (like fishing… there are no guarantees and “success” does not mean “harvest”). We have professionals who will help teach us how to break down a wild hog and turn it into food. Friends and first-timers are welcome.

Accommodations will be rustic. This is a camping trip! You should expect to pack along a cot and/or a tent. We have a hay loft for sleeping, access to two bathrooms, a port-a-john, and one shower. All food is provided.

Participants must find their own transportation to and from our site. If you are flying in, we recommend flying into Baton Rouge.

All ages are welcome to participate. Participants under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by their responsible adult.

Space is limited and may fill before the deadline!

Questions about this event? Please contact the Rev. Christian Baron at 512-826-9657.

DATE & LOCATION

March 6-10, 2024

Arrive: March 6 at 3pm Depart: March 10 at 3pm

The Brady Property

7017 Folly Brown Road Clinton, LA 70722

onwm.org

REGISTRATION

NOTE ON LICENSING
All participating hunters must acquire a Pig License from the State of Louisiana prior to the retreat. This requires the applicant to prove they’ve completed a hunter’s safety certification. This can either be a pre-existing certificate from their home state or the hunter must complete the course prior to applying (and this takes time!). The cost to purchase the pig license is $65.

REGISTER NOW!
The cost to participate in Naucratius Hog Camp is $500/hunter and $350/non-hunter. This includes food but does not include airfare or hunting license.

The deadline to register is February 14th. Space is limited to 25 participants and may fill before the deadline!

REGISTER

RELIGION AND POLITICS: WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS CARE ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE?

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October 11th, 5:30-8:30pm at Mediator, Harbert

The Episcopal Church is known for being a strong voice on issues of social justice in the United States and throughout the world, speaking out for the stewardship of creation, the dignity of all human beings, and calling for an end to violence and hateful rhetoric. As we approach the 2024 presidential election in the midst of deepening political polarization, some may be asking: what is the church’s role?

Church of the Mediator in Harbert, in partnership with the diocesan offices, will present an evening discussion on Christianity, social justice, and the political sphere on Wednesday, October 11th from 5:30-8:30pm. The panel discussion will be recorded and available for later viewing. Due to bandwidth constraints, this event cannot be livestreamed.

This gathering is an opportunity to discuss the differences between “politics” and “partisanship” and to consider our Christian responsibility in seeking social justice. Participants will first gather for Holy Eucharist, then will share in a potluck dinner. Afterward, a panel of Episcopalians will lead our conversation. We will be joined by:

  • Tim French, senior warden of Mediator, Harbert, facilitating
  • The Rev. Darlene Kuhn, Rector of Mediator, Harbert
  • Rob Burgess, member of St. Augustine of Canterbury, Benton Harbor
  • The Rev. Jay Johnson, rector of All Saints, Saugatuck and interim coach for Creation Care/Beloved Community for the dioceses
  • Vicki Schroeder, member of All Saints, Saugatuck, will also offer a video reflection about her experience working as a co-convenor of End Gun Violence Michigan.

Photo: Deputies to the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church gather for a protest and prayer service at the Hutto Detention Center near Austin, Texas.

Questions about this event?
Please contact the Rev. Darlene Kuhn at rector@mediatorharbert.com or at 269-469-6794

DATE & LOCATION

 

October 11, 2023
5:30-8:30pm

Episcopal Church of the Mediator
14280 Red Arrow Highway
Harbert, MI 49115

mediatorharbert.com

RSVP

There is no cost to attend this event. To help us plan for space, please RSVP by October 1st. Attendees who miss this deadline are still welcome to attend.

Participants are asked to bring a dish for the potluck dinner.

Unable to attend in person but would like access to the recording? Please complete the registration form selecting this option and the recording will be emailed to you directly when it’s available.

RSVP

Celebrating 50 Years of Change – Women in Ministry

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The 2023 Joint Gathering of the DOK and ECW

The Daughters of the King and Episcopal Church Women invite all women across Eastern and Western Michigan to join them for their special 2023 joint gathering, taking place on Saturday, November 4th at St. John’s, Mount Pleasant. You do not need to be a current member of the DOK or ECW to join this exciting gathering.

They will be screening The Philadephia Eleven, a new documentary telling the story of the first women to be ordained in The Episcopal Church as we prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this transformational occasion next year in 2024.

A panel discussion will follow with several clergy women sharing their experiences, including some who were ordained in the early days of women’s ordination. Together, we will consider our experiences in the church as women, the historic and current challenges, and the changes we’ve experienced over the last fifty years since the historic ordination in Philadelphia. A Q&A will follow the panel discussion.

The Order of the Daughters of the King is an order for women in The Episcopal Church and through our ecumenical relationships. They focus on prayer and service.

The Episcopal Church Women empower women in the church to carry out Christ’s work throughout the world, especially in the work of healing, justice, and peace, and upholding the Five Marks of Mission of the Anglican Communion.

Questions about this event?
Please contact one of the following: Jeaninne Totzke at jtotzke@berriencounty.org or Marilee Roth at mjrothfarm@gmail.com.

DATE & LOCATION

OUR GATHERING

November 4, 2023
10-2pm

St. John’s Episcopal Church
206 W Maple St.
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858

stjohnsmtpleasantmi.com

OPTIONAL HOTEL BLOCK

The planning team secured a block of rooms (single, queen-size beds) at a discounted rate of $159 for those requiring or preferring overnight accommodations on Friday night. Reservations for the hotel must be made separately from the registration for the event.

Comfort Inn & Suites and Conference Center – Mount Pleasant
2424 S. Mission Street
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858

The deadline to reserve a hotel room is October 3rd. To reserve, call 989-772-4000 or visit their website at this link.

REGISTRATION

The cost to attend is $20 per person, payable online or by check at the door.

The deadline to register is October 15th.

REGISTER

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Sunday Afternoons October through mid-March 2024

Episcopal young people are invited to join regional youth missioners, the Rev. Beckett Leclaire (Deacon – St. John’s, Dryden; Youth Missioner Admin) and the Rev. Joel Turmo (Rector – St. Timothy’s, Richland; Youth Missioner for the Southern Collaborative) for an opportunity to participate in a free youth-focused, online confirmation class as preparation for diocesan confirmation services next year.

Youth entering 7th-12th grades unable to participate in youth-focused confirmation classes in their home congregation are invited to participate in a weekly one-hour online Zoom class every Sunday afternoon from 4 to roughly 5pm beginning October 1st and running through March 17, 2024. Upon completion of the program, students who feel they are ready to make a mature affirmation of faith may be registered for any diocesan confirmation service.

We encourage the families and faith communities of our students to actively support their student by praying for them, discussing the content of their classes, and by providing logistical support to ensure that students are able to attend and be fully engaged with their classes.

With questions, please contact the Rev. Beckett Leclaire at bleclaire@eastmich.org / bleclaire@edwm.org or the Rev. Joel Turmo at jturmo@eastmich.org / jturmo@edwm.org.

REGISTRATION

There is no cost to participate in the confirmation classes. Please register before the first class, October 1st.

REGISTER

Creation Care Online Summit II

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Wednesday, September 20th from 7-8:30pm

The Creation Care Task Force provides leadership to the Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan on issues related to the care, protection, and remediation of God’s creation. One of the group’s key goals is to make environmental stewardship and climate care a significant element of every parish’s life and mission. We would love to see members of our two dioceses become practicing “environmental evangelists!”

On the evening of Wednesday, September 20th from 7-8:30pm, the Task Force will offer their second online Creation Care Summit, featuring a panel of four leaders from within our dioceses actively working on efforts to raise environmental awareness and action in their communities, congregational, diocesan, and beyond. The panel’s insights will help inspire and give opportunities to jumpstart your own stewardship of creation, whether expressed through your congregation or at home.

Speakers and topics include:

  • Courtney Cromley (Holy Spirit, Belmont) – Watershed conservation for churches
  • Jeanette Ettin (Grace, Port Huron) and the Rev. Linnea Stifler (Retired, Cadillac) – Season of Creation materials and liturgies
  • Steve Mulder (St. Mark’s, Grand Rapids) – Advocacy for the care of creation
  • The Rev. Nurya Love Parish – Opportunities with Plainsong Farm

We look forward to sharing our experiences with you and hope this is the beginning of a broader conversation about how our parishes can work together to become better stewards of God’s creation.

With questions, please contact Katie Forsyth, Canon for Evangelism and Networking, at kforsyth@eastmich.org or kforsyth@edwm.org.

RSVP

There is no cost to participate in the online Creation Care Summit.

The Zoom session will be recorded and made available for later viewing on the Creation Care resource pages of the diocesan websites – Eastern MI and Western MI.

Please click the button below to RSVP and receive your Zoom link to access the summit.

RSVP

Young Adult Dinner Church Retreat

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September 2-4, 2023 at Camp Chickagami

Young adults, college through millennials, are invited to come spend their Labor Day Weekend at Camp Chickagami for our annual retreat, focusing on our connection between food and community.

Our flexible schedule includes worship and fellowship, unstructured time and time with the whole group. Participants will have the opportunity to join with others in the preparation of food for the whole community over the course of the retreat, integrating our spiritual reflection with the communal table.

Retreat participants are welcome to bring their children, 12 and under. Please note that there is no special programming planned for kids and all minors must be supervised by their responsible adults at all times.

Questions about this event? Please contact Director of Children, Youth, and Young Adult Formation McKenzie Knill at 810-434-5982 or mknill@eastmich.org, mknill@edwm.org.

DATE & LOCATION

September 2-4, 2023
Check-in: Saturday, 4pm
Check-out: Monday, Noon

Participants are welcome to linger for the remainder of the day after check-out/departing their cabin.

Camp Chickagami
6952 Kauffman Road
Presque Isle, MI 49777
campchickagami.org/retreats

REGISTRATION

The cost to attend this retreat is pay-what-you-can, subsidized by the formation budget of the Episcopal Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan. Participants able to pay are suggested at $75.

Participants have the option of adding on an additional day on either side of the retreat for an additional cost.

The deadline to register is August 27th.

REGISTER

CONTEMPLATIVE FIBER ARTS RETREAT

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September 22-24, 2023 at Camp Chickagami

God invites us to relationship each and every day. Retreats are a great opportunity to take time apart and disconnect from our everyday lives, connecting with this call to relationship through exploration of spirituality, prayer life, and community. Our retreat is facilitated by the Rev. Radha Kaminski, priest in Cadillac and Big Rapids, and bi-diocesan youth missioner for the Northern Collaborative.

Fiber artists, crafters, and makers of all kinds and skill levels are invited to join us at Camp Chickagami to retreat and create in the Fall of Northern Michigan!

The schedule for our retreat is flexible – with time spent both alone and in group, in crafting and in reflection on our retreat theme: “Finishings and Endings.”

Partners/families are also welcome to register to attend, whether or not they are also fiber artists or crafters. Children are welcome; please note that there will be no childcare or children’s programming provided during the retreat.

This retreat’s pricing is a tiered pricing structure, beginning at $300. Lodging for this retreat will be in a communal setting assigned by Camp Chickagami. If you have requests for cabin-mates please let us know during the registration process.

Questions about this event? Please contact the Rev. Radha Kaminski at 352-727-8927 or rkaminski@eastmich.org.

DATE & LOCATION

September 22-24, 2023
Check-in: Friday, 3-6pm
Check-out: Sunday, Noon

Participants are welcome to linger for the remainder of the day after check-out/departing their cabin.

Camp Chickagami
6952 Kauffman Road
Presque Isle, MI 49777
campchickagami.org/retreats

REGISTRATION

Registration is offered as tiered pricing and begins at $200 for commuters and $300 for those staying on-site. Participants also have the option to add on an extra night’s stay (without meals).

Packing List (in addition to the items in the standard packing list)

Your fiber arts materials, tools, projects, and equipment may be left in Fletcher Hall during the retreat.

There will be extension cords and some lamps available in Fletcher Hall, but bring any others you will need.

Musical instrument if you would like to help lead music during our services.

Click here for a list of retreat FAQs, including recommendations for packing.

The deadline to register is September 10th.

REGISTER

Spiritual Practices in Contemplative Retreat

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August 18-20, 2023 at Camp Chickagami

Adults of all genders are invited to join us for several days spent in community, building a closer relationship with God and creation and journeying deeper into our spiritual practices.

God invites us to relationship each and every day. Retreats are a great opportunity to take time apart and disconnect from our everyday lives, connecting with this call to relationship through exploration of spirituality, prayer life, and community. Our retreat is faciliated by a dynamic duo of deacons, the Revs. Anna Leigh Kubbe and Beckett Leclaire.

The schedule for our retreat is flexible with time spent both alone and in group. This weekend was formerly offered as our “Women’s Retreat.”

This retreat’s pricing is a tiered pricing structure beginning at $300. Lodging for this retreat will be in a communal setting assigned by Camp Chickagami staff. If you have requests for cabin-mates please let us know during the registration process.

Questions about this event? Please contact the Rev. Anna Leigh Kubbe at 810-334-3189 or alkubbe43@gmail.com.

DATE & LOCATION

August 18-20, 2023
Check-in: Friday, 3-6pm
Check-out: Sunday, Noon

Participants are welcome to linger for the remainder of the day after check-out/departing their cabin.

Camp Chickagami
6952 Kauffman Road
Presque Isle, MI 49777
campchickagami.org/retreats

REGISTRATION

Registration is offered as tiered pricing and begins at $200 for commuters and $300 for those staying on-site. Participants also have the option to add on an extra night’s stay (without meals).

Click here for a list of retreat FAQs, including recommendations for packing.

The deadline to register is August 10th.

REGISTER

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EDWM | 1815 Hall St SE, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Phone Number: (616) 319-2006
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