eConnections - June 28, 2026

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eConnections

The Weekend of the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
(Year A: Proper 8, Track 1)

June 28, 2026

The Dean's List

The Sestercentennial
Somehow, even though I have a pretty good recollection of America's Bicentennial celebration, the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is just a week away. Dang.

Although a lot has happened between then and now that colors this year's celebration somewhat differently, it is still an occasion of celebration and - as it has always been - an opportunity to call us to live into and up to the aspirations written into our founding documents. The Cathedral of Saint James will mark the occasion on Sunday, July 5.

Have a wonderful Independence Day celebration!

Summer Camp Was Great!
Campers and staff alike had a wonderful week at Cano Mack last week at our diocese's annual summer camp. A huge crew of Cathedral and Cathedral attached people were on hand for H2Oh! The Wonder of Water in which we explored many water related themes and characters from the Bible. Many, many thank to our camp directors Megan Spice, Cindy Spice, and our own Daniel & Jodi Kallenberg for their great work in making it all happen.

What's Next?
In my capacity as President of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Northern Indiana, I was privileged to facilitate or help facilitate seven What's Next? Gatherings around our diocese over the past month, including special sessions with older campers and younger staff (separately, but counted as one session) at Summer Camp. The purpose of the meetings was to hear from as many people as possible as we discern where we have been, where we are now, and where we believe God is calling us to go as a diocese. Nearly 300 people participated in the conversation.

All of the data collected on user-submitted Post-It notes has been transferred to a spreadsheet. Brad Fulton - Applied Psychologist and husband of Mtr. Jen Fulton - will next analyze the responses with an assist from AI software designed for such purposes in order to identify themes and trends. His report will be given to the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council, who will meet jointly in Plymouth on Saturday, July 11 to discuss the results and (perhaps) make a recommendation about what comes next with respect to proceeding to the election of the Ninth Bishop of Northern Indiana OR entering a period of intentional discernment around the identity, mission, and vision of our diocese.

A report to the entire diocese will be made via Zoom (see the information below) on Saturday, July 25 at 10 am ET / 9 am CT. The Standing Committee - in consultation with the Presiding Bishop's office - will then vote on a course of action at our regular meeting on Tuesday, July 28.

Do I have a prediction? No, I do not. Please pray for the movement of the Holy Spirit and clarity in discernment.

This Weekend
In addition to our regular Sunday services this weekend, on Saturday, June 27 we host two diocesan events: The Ordination of Karla Dawn Smith to the Sacred Order of Priests at 10 am ET and the Pride Eucharist at 2 pm ET. Both services are open to all.

Security. Just so you are aware: out of an abundance of caution, two South Bend Police officers will be conspicuously present at both the Pride Eucharist on Saturday and on Sunday morning. We are not aware of any threats but do understand that there are those in our community who may decide to protest this event. Our hope in having security present is to make the Cathedral as safe and peaceful as possible.

Saint James Weekend
We will celebrate Saint James weekend this year with a trip to the ballyard down the street on Saturday, July 25th and a special liturgies for Saint James Sunday on the 26th. Here's what's on tap:

Saturday, July 25
7:05 pm South Bend Cubs vs. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Four Winds Field

We have a block of 40 tickets now available for purchase at $18 each ($20 if paying by Givelify).
Use the sign-up sheet at the back of the Church, or contact Joe Anand--Obleton here.
First come, first served.
Payment must be received by July 11 or tickets will be released.

Sunday, July 26
8:00 am Holy Eucharist according to the 1789 Book of Common Prayer
10:30 am Saint James Sunday Celebration

Blessing of the Labyrinth
Seating of the Honorary Canons
Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
Pot Luck Picnic Luncheon

Roof Repairs
The roof over the old chapel entrance was replaced and drains in the roof of the main church entrance were repaired last week. The Finance Committee and Chapter directed that payment for this extra-budgetary expense of $11,400 come from our cash reserve fund. They also asked that we make this need known to the congregation. To anyone who feels led to contribute to the building fund to help cover this expense, your gift is much needed and appreciated.

SMH Groundbreaking Prayers

Blessings,
Brian

Worship

Diocese of Northern Indiana

Formation & Spirituality

Outreach & Evangelism

Cathedral Calendar

Saturday, June 27

9:00 am Ordination Rehearsal

10:00 am The Ordination of Karla Dawn Smith
to the Sacred Order of Priests

11:15 am Ordination Reception

12:30 pm  Pride Choir Rehearsal

2:00 pm Pride Eucharist

3:15 pm Reception

Sunday, June 28

The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Year A: Proper 8, Track 1

8:00 am  Holy Eucharist: Rite One

9:00 am Intercessory Prayer

10:30 am  Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

11:45 am Intercessory Prayer
Hospitality Hour

12:30 pm Fellowship of St. John

Monday, June 29  Saint Peter & Saint Paul
Cathedral Office: Closed

No Events Scheduled

Tuesday, June 30
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm
Fr. Brian & Deacon Clay Out of the Office

No Events Scheduled

Wednesday, July 1  Pauli Murray
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm
Deacon Clay Out of the Office

8:30 am Assistance Ministry

Thursday, July 2  Moses the Black
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm
Deacon Clay Out of the Office

No Events Scheduled

Friday, July 3
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm

12:05 pm  Holy Eucharist

1:00 pm  Community Lunch at TBD

Saturday, July 4
Independence Day

No Events Scheduled

Sunday, July 5

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Year A: Proper 9, Track 1

8:00 am  Holy Eucharist: Rite One

10:30 am  Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

11:45 am  Hospitality Hour

Ministry Schedule

Sunday, June 28
Year A: Proper 8, Track 1

8:00 am
Lector  Michael Pippenger
Lay Minister  Daniel Armounfelder

10:30 am
Lectors  Peg Swadener & Celeste Hilliard
Eucharistic Ministers  Stephen Drendall, Rick Hilliard
Ushers Matthew Worns, Michael Worns
Acolyte Cynthia Katsarelis
Hospitality  Daughters of the King
Linen Care  Mary Lehman
Sacristan  Betsy VanderBurg

Wednesday, July 1
Counters Sue Lowe & Peg Swadener

Friday, July 3
Folder DeDe Guth

Prayer List

Collect for the Fifth Sunday
after Pentecost (Proper 8)

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Anniversaries & Birthdays

06/30 Rosemary & Donnie Zigler (17)
06/30 Rob Dorsch (95)
07/01 Jenny Burkhart-Miller
07/02 Joann & Rob Dorsch (71)
07/04 Nathan Grantz

Wylie Wright, father of Mary Beth Wright, would have celebrated his 105th birthday on June 25. Wylie didn't make the list last week because, for some unknown reason, our software didn't tell us. Happy heavenly birthday, Wylie. And prayers for Mary Beth.

For Your Prayers

☩ In Thanksgiving...

In June we celebrate Pride Month. This month and always, we give thanks for the many gifts offered to the Church and to the world by members of the LGBTQ+ Community and we pray that our Church may continually proclaim that all are loved, all are welcome, and all belong.
As we prepare to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence, let us give thanks for the aspiration and courage shown by our forebears in 1776 and let us pray that we continue to the live into the ideals of equality, justice, and freedom they so beautifully articulated.
For Bishop Doug Sparks, in gratitude for his years of leadership and heart for this Diocese; may his upcoming retirement be a season of rest and blessing. We also pray for the Diocese of Northern Indiana, that as we begin the transition to new leadership, we may follow where God’s Spirit leads.

☩ Requiescat in Pace
For those who have departed this life, and for their families mourning their loss:

John Worns (father of Michael Worns) and the entire Worns family.
Roger Noecker (former husband of Nan Noecker; father of Adam Noecker)
Julie Guiler (stepdaughter of DeDe Guth)
Ed Carlson (brother of Joni Carlson) and for his entire family.
Jeff Sallak (uncle of Christopher Hillak), and for his entire family.

May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon them.

☩ For Those Serving in the Armed Forces at Home and Abroad

Loren Bates (Tina Velthuizen’s great-nephew)
Colin Woodruf (Nan Noecker’s grandson)
Cade Dorsch (Jo & Rob Dorsch’s grandson)
Brittany San Felipe (Erica Vitale's stepdaughter and wife of Chezka San Felipe)
John Jarrett (Erica's Vitale’s stepson, and husband of Ines Dutra)
Kristoff Richards (Extended Family of Erica Vitale)
Nathan Whitfield (Al and Norris Whitfield's son)
Will Cook (Brian and Tamisyn's Godson)
Nick Reardon ("Nephew" of the Grantzes)
Graham Sparks (Bishop Doug and Dana Sparks’ Son)
Riley Suter (friend of Jesse Grantz)

☩ For Those in Need of Healing & Recovery
For those facing illness, surgery, or physical distress:

Michael
Rose Tinder (sister of Berkleys and mother of Olivia Shoppell)
Myra Anthony
Angelica Healy
For Siberina Taylor (mother of Joe Anand-Obelton) for healing following a stroke and for her medical care team.
For Cooper, Emily, and Seth
Tim Irwin and Family (friends of Sherry Berkley)
Melody Sallak (aunt of Christopher Hillak)
Mary Mitchell (cousin of Deacon Clay)
Kathy Nate (friend of Deacon Clay)
Pamela Lax
Scott Bianchini (husband of Canon Carol Bianchini)
Stephen Foley
Candy McCarthy (Joann Dorsch’s daughter)
Helene Dauerty
Rebecca Maloy (recovering from surgery) and for Cynthia Katsarelis.
Joshua Henderson (Chris Henderson’s brother)
Mary Brooks
Kevin Renfro (our guest trumpeter)
Tim Lane, (son-in-law of Karen Slack, recovering from shoulder surgery)
Joni Carlson (continuing treatment)
Gideon and his family (healing)
Olivia (leukemia) and for her family
Robin & Laurie (healing from health issues)

☩ For Strength, Guidance, & Comfort
For those seeking spiritual support and peace:

Olivia Shoppell (Niece of the Berkleys)
Damien Owens
Juan Jacob Allen Obleton (borther is Joe Anand-Obelton) for housing, security, and freedom from addiction.
Nadine Collier & the Collier Family
Bill Young (Catherine Craker’s Father) and for the entire Craker and Young families.
Marci Ullery (friend of Patty Hans)
Patty Hans
Derek (guidance)
Billy Hans (health & guidance)
Joseph Hilliard (strength & guidance)
Joyce (strength & guidance)
Marshall Moore (strength & guidance)

☩ General Intercessions
For friends, family, and members of the community:

Mary Beth Wright
The Anderson Family
Cherryl Andries
The Ashby Family: Shaun, Shirley, and Roland
Richard Bitner
Alissa Broussara
Mary M. Burman
Al Caparell; Tony Lemna; Mike; Denise & Demetrius
Cobie (Tina Velthuizen’s sister)
The Demler and Martindale families
Paula Fowler
Connor Gibbons
Julie Guiler (DeDe’s Stepdaughter)
Ron Gunn
Tim Haywood and Janice
Rick Hillard
Mike Jaworski and Lisa
The Jeter Family: Jamie, Mimi, Joely, Mia, and the entire family
Bill Jones and his family
Joan Machatton
Dan & Gail Mandell
Joyce Marchant
Fred & Kate Mast
Sharron McGowan
Michael (Diane Hoist’s son) and his family
Elaine Mick
Tony Molnar
Richard Murphy Jr. and Jill Bird
Daniel & Amy Petry (parents of Amanda Helfrich)
The Proffitt and Hillman families
Carolynn Raney
Sheila & family
Karen Slack
Kevin Smith
Alan Thompson
Mthr. Tina Velthuizen
Deb Walter (friend of Sherry Berkley)
Kitty Ward
Donnie Zigler

☩ For Those Preparing for Holy Orders

Karla Smith, who will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, June 27 at the Cathedral of Saint James.
Nan Noecker (Diaconate)

☩ World, National, and Local Community Concerns

For the people of Venezuela as they attempt to recover from two massive eathquakes and for all the emergency responders and aid workers providing assistance.
For an end to wars and for a lasting Peace in all regions of the world, especialy in Iran, Israel, Lebanon (and throughout the Middle East), and Ukraine.
In our Nation, currently torn by fear, oppression, and strife, may Christ bring peace, healing, and unity.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Western NY as they begin a search for their next Bishop and who offer their prayers for our diocese in our period of transition.

How may we pray for you? To add (or remove) a petition from the Cathedral Prayer List, please send an email to Deacon Clay Berkley. If you are requesting prayer for someone else, please make sure you have their permission to add their name and any details to the prayer list.

Cathedral Leadership

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Christopher HillakJune 28, 2026