Beloved in Christ,
I give thanks for you and the many ways you anchor and support mission and ministry in the Diocese of Indianapolis. As we begin a new church year with its themes of anticipation, hope, and love in Christ, I’m especially grateful for all the ways you bring life and meaning to these words. This year, we have revived the Bishop’s Appeal to strengthen the ministries that stand at the heart of our mission, which is about equipping you and our congregations to nurture faith communities of belonging, across all generations, where every person’s dignity is upheld, and hope feels within reach.
Over the past few years, your generosity has enabled our diocese to sustain a full-time youth minister, leading to incredible growth in our engagement with young people. Because of you, we have sustained ministries of compassion where they have been needed most, both here in Indiana and among our siblings in Brasilia and Haiti. In short, you’ve made extraordinary ministry possible. This year, we have set a Bishop’s Appeal goal of $30,000. Thank you for prayerfully considering your gift as we stretch to meet this goal. Your generosity will help us continue offering a warm welcome and compassionate care in Christ’s name across central and southern Indiana.
And if you’d like a fun way to participate, please read on.
As Indiana meets Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship on Saturday, December 6th, our diocese has entered a playful wager with the Diocese of Southern Ohio and Bishop Kristin White. If Indiana wins, Bishop Kristin will receive a Hoosier-themed care package, and her staff will don cream and crimson. If Ohio State wins, I will bravely suit up in scarlet and gray — and some Buckeye-state treats will come our way.
We invite you to “give by the score” by donating an amount equal to Indiana’s final point total to support Episcopal Campus Ministries (ECM). Your gift will count toward the Bishop’s Appeal goal. Southern Ohio will be doing the same for their ministries. Thank you for supporting the young adults on and near our college campuses, alongside your gift to this year’s Bishop’s Appeal. Whether the game goes our way or not, I’m grateful to be in this good work with you.
With gratitude and hope in these early days of Advent, I am,
Faithfully,
Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows
