Workshops Session 1 (1:00 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. EDT)
Cole Arthur Riley Liberation Workshop
Presenter: Cole Arthur Riley
Cole Arthur Riley is an accomplished writer, liturgist, and speaker, as well as a curator at The Center for Dignity and Contemplation where she created the Black Liturgies project. Cole is also the author of the New York Times bestselling book, This Here Flesh. Drawing from her work and experiences, she will lead a workshop around the theme of liberation.
Workshops Session 2 (2:25 p.m. – 3:35 p.m. EDT)
Liberation through the Covenant to Root out Racism
Presenter: The Rev. Chana Tetzlaff (chair of RJET)
At last year’s diocesan convention, the Diocesan Racial Justice and Education Team (RJET) sponsored a resolution that called the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis to re-commit to the work of dismantling systemic racism by adopting the Covenant to Root Out Racism. This resolution was passed, and parish Vestries, Bishop’s committees, and the Executive Council have committed to act on specific actions within the covenant as we grow in awareness and understanding of how racism impacts our faith body. In this workshop, RJET members will lead discussion around the question: how does the work of the Covenant to Root Out Racism lead our diocese toward liberation?
Learning to Let Go Within the Parish Using the Benedictine Model
Presenter: The Rev. Canon Kristin White
The College for Congregational Development teaches that the use of established congregational and organization development models can provide leaders with greater clarity around their parish’s needs. In this workshop, Canon Kristin White will teach the Benedictine Life Model, with discussion to focus on how it can be used to faithfully discern how leaders might help their congregations let go of practices in church life that no longer fit in a sustainable way. Participants will be able to bring this model back to their parishes as they look ahead to the new year.
Caring for the Mental Health of Our Youth
Presenter: Heather Campbell
In recent years, educators and youth workers have become increasingly aware of the rise in mental health diagnoses, such as depression and anxiety, among our country’s teenagers. In a time where mental health resources are more critical than ever, Heather Kenison, the Diocesan Youth Minister, will present information and lead discussions about the importance of rest for the youth in our care, and share helpful practices that leaders can bring back to their parishes.
Implementing Sabbath & Rest Practices
Presenter: The Rev. Ben Wyatt
During Bishop Jennifer’s message at the 2022 Diocesan Convention, she emphasized the importance of routine periods of rest. In this workshop, participants will be provided with helpful tips for fully engaging in the Sabbath and finding other spaces for rest. Discussions will focus on how rest can be incorporated into our lives and put into practice within our parishes.
Resting Our Minds through Yoga
Presenter: Carrie Bernhardt
The practice of yoga has been seen not only as a way of stretching and exercising the body, but also as a way of meditating and providing rest to the spirit. In this workshop, participants will be guided through a centering meditation followed by a gentle yoga flow practice featuring seated and standing postures. Modifications will be provided, making this practice accessible to participate for all levels.
Workshops Session 3 (3:50 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT)
Examining Our Past to Liberate Our Future
Michaela Flash (UBE President)
At the 2020 Diocesan Convention, the Indianapolis chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) was appointed by Bishop Jennifer to gather stories from across our diocese that share the church’s historic complicity in acts of prejudice, discrimination, racism, and systemic oppression. These stories have been compiled into a video documentary presentation that can be screened at parishes across the diocese. During this workshop, UBE members and volunteers will discuss the making of the documentary, show video clips, and provide details about how parishes within the diocese can host a screening.
Parishes as Spaces for Rest for Collegiate Young Adults
Presenters: The Rev. Ed Bird & The Rev. Dr. Hilary Cooke
College students can face a variety of stressful circumstances: high-demand coursework, overpriced housing, food insecurity, and first-time independence. As a result, there is an opportunity for parishes to collaborate with campus ministries in the work of showing care to college students and providing spaces and/or opportunities for rest. This workshop, prepared and presented by college chaplains in our diocese, will focus on conversations around how we as a church body can support our young adults during this time of trials and transitions.
Discerning God’s Call
Presenters: Jen Phelps & Sara Bean
Sara Bean, a parishioner at Trinity (Indy) will present practices that allow participants to rest in God’s presence and hear how God is calling them. Following the session, Transition Minister Jen Phelps will be on hand to answer questions about additional formation opportunities for lay and ordained ministry.
The Planning and Experience of Sabbatical – A Panel Discussion
Lead Panelist: The Rev. Frank Impicciche
During this workshop session, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about available sabbatical and renewal programs. Participants will have opportunities to hear from and interact with a panel of clergy and lay staff members about their experiences and, in addition, to dialogue about the process of planning and applying for sabbatical and renewal programs.
Resting Our Minds through Yoga
Presenter: Carrie Bernhardt
The practice of yoga has been seen not only as a way of stretching and exercising the body, but also as a way of meditating and providing rest to the spirit. In this workshop, participants will be guided through a centering meditation followed by a gentle yoga flow practice featuring seated and standing postures. Modifications will be provided, making this practice accessible to participate for all levels.
