eConnections - August 23, 2026

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eConnections

The Weekend of the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
(Year A: Proper 16, Track 1)

August 23, 2026

The Dean's List

Prayers for Hayden

I spent an afternoon on a pontoon boat with Hayden Panettiere many years ago. Hayden's maternal grandparents, John & Tam Vogel, lived on Winona Lake and were members of St. Anne's Church in Warsaw, where I served from 1997 to 2006. One summer when Hayden and her younger brother, Jansen, came for a visit, John & Tam arranged for an afternoon boat ride on Chapman Lake with some friends. Hayden was already a star by then, with several of her early credits under her belt, including the voice of Dot in the Pixar animated feature A Bug's Life. I spoke with her briefly. She was polite, but clearly more interested in soaking up the sun in silence than entertaining her grandparents' priest, or any of the other adult on board for that matter. And that was it, my brush with a famous teenager whose star was about to ascend much higher. I can't say that I knew Hayden, but I followed her career with interest, with frequent updates from her extremely proud grandparents.

News of Hayden's death last Sunday at age 36 was news even in Edinburgh. It was particularly sad for me. Beyond her fame, fortune, and struggles, I knew her primarily through the lens of her grandparents; I knew her as a child who was loved and supported unconditionally by two people who absolutely beamed when they spoke about her. Their love, for me, reflects clearly the love, hope, mercy, and grace of God for all of us beyond images and perceptions.

May Hayden, with John & Tam, with Jansen, rest in peace, and may light perpetual shine upon her.

Worship

Justice & Peace

Prayer Service to End ICE Detention
at Miami Correctional Facility

Dear Friends in Faith,

The weekend of August 28th, 29th, & 30th, Hoosiers across Indiana are rising in a powerful, unified public witness with a goal of holding 50+ prayer vigils to end the crisis of ICE detention at the Miami Correctional Facility. Right now, our state is holding approximately 600 immigrant men—the vast majority of whom have no criminal record—inside a state-run, maximum-security prison plagued by a staffing shortage, lack of medical care, and a tragic record of two detainee deaths earlier this year. While officials promise “built-in profit” on a contract that appears to have actually lost taxpayer money, local families are being torn apart, leaving traumatized U.S. citizen children and spouses in a desperate scramble for basic survival. Since Miami Correctional is a state-run facility, this injustice belongs to every Hoosier.

You are invited to participate in a prayer service at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in South Bend on Sunday, August 30 beginning at 4pm.

This prayer service is one of many public witness events being held across Indiana that weekend, as people of faith come together to say clearly: Detention and inhumane treatment of our immigrant neighbors must end.

The Rev. Scott Bowie
St. Peter's United Church of Christ, South Bend

Outreach & Evangelism

Formation & Spirituality

Registration for Education for Ministry (EfM) 2026 – 2027 is open. Mother Tina Velthuizen is the mentor and Shandelle Henson is the co-mentor.

Two tracks are available:

EfM Classic is a 4-year course, for which participants register 1 year at a time. It covers Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and Theology, Liturgy, and Ethics. If necessary, a participant can take a year off and restart in a later year.
EfM Wide Angle is a 1-year course and is an overview of the Spiritual Journey that introduces participants to EfM Classic.

“The discipline of individual and group Theological Reflection connects the sacred with life experience and study...Sharing worship, Spiritual Autobiographies, and personal stories fosters relationships foundational to ministry and spiritual growth.”

Registration is open for Wide Angle and for Classic Years 1 & 3. Anyone who has already taken Classic Years 1 & 2 is invited to register for Classic 3.

We meet at the Cathedral of St. James in South Bend. Currently we meet on Monday evenings, beginning at 6:00 p.m. However, the time can be adjusted based on participants’ schedules. We all meet together in one group. A group consists of 6–12 participants + mentors. If more than 12 participants register, we will split into two groups. Each level engages its specific course materials for 27 weeks, and there are 9 weeks of common lessons.

The cost for the year is $425. Scholarships are available through EfM and can/may also be available from the Diocese and or Parish.

In his book Being Disciples (read by the Wide Angle students last year), former Archbishop Rowan Williams concludes with 4 qualities/characteristics of the journey of discipleship. They are: increasing self-knowledge, silence, continued growth, and joy. All of these are experienced in EfM.

For more information, contact Mother Tina or Shandelle

Enjoy the exciting EfM Welcome Video

Cathedral Calendar

Saturday, August 22
No Events Scheduled

Sunday, August 23
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Year A: Proper 16, Track 1
Hail! Hail! The gang's all here!

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

12:00 pm
Fellowship of St. John

12:30 pm
Cathedral Staff Meeting

Monday, August 24 Saint Bartholomew
Cathedral Office: Closed
No Events Scheduled

Tuesday, August 25 Louis of France
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm

6:30 pm
Chapter Meeting

Wednesday, August 26 Simeon Bachos
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm

2:00 PM
EDNIN Clergy & Lay Leaders Zoom Meeting

Thursday, August 27 Thomas Gallaudet & Henry Winter Syle
Cathedral Office: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
No Events Scheduled

Friday, August 28 Augustine of Hippo
Cathedral Office: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm

12:05 pm
Holy Eucharist

1:00 pm
Community Lunch at Grill 362

Saturday, August 29 The Beheading of John the Baptist

No Events Scheduled

Sunday, August 30
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Year A: Proper 17, Track 1
Dcn Anne Wietstock & Dr. Steven Wietstock away

8:00 am
Holy Eucharist: Rite One

10:30 am
Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

11:45 am
Hospitality Hour

2:00 pm
Safe Church Training for First Time Participants

4:00 pm
Prayer Service to End ICE Detention at Miami Correctional Facility
St. Peter's United Church of Christ

Ministry Schedule

Sunday, August 23
Year A: Proper 16, Track 1

8:00 am
Lector Jane Hunter
Lay Minister Mary Young-Marcks

10:30 am
Lectors Steven Mast & Sherry Berkley
Eucharistic Ministers Andy Helfrich, Cherry Radin
Ushers Kay Klopfenstein, Reg Klopfenstein
Acolyte Alaina Gray
Hospitality Daughters of the King
Linen Care Deborah Drendall
Sacristan Cindy Foley

Tuesday, August 25
Counters DeDe Guth & Donna Woods

Friday, August 28
Folder Donnie Zigler

Prayer List

Collect for the Thirteenth Sunday
after Pentecost (Proper 16)

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Anniversaries & Birthdays

Aug 23 John Van Engen
Aug 26 Jack Laney
Aug 26 Marci Adams Ullery
Aug 28 Franklin Scheneman

For Your Prayers

☩ In Thanksgiving...

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, as we begin our search process for our ninth bishop diocesan.

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

Hayden
Melody Sallak (aunt of Christopher Hillak) and for the entire Sallak 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 Woodruff (Nan Noecker’s grandson)
Cade Dorsch (Jo 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:

Jennifer Brandyberry (sister of Christopher Henderson)
Michael Anand-Obelton and for Joe
Mary Beth Wright
David Carlson (close friend Mary Young-Marcks)
Mike and Lisa Jaworski
Myra Anthony
For Cooper, Emily, and Seth
Tim Irwin and Family (friends of Sherry Berkley)
Kathy Nate (friend of Deacon Clay)
Pamela Lax
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
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:

Adam Bosler and his Family
Treshawn Visnaw
The Bullock Family
Juan Jacob Allen Obleton
Robin Warr
Lori
Ariel Obelton
Ebony Bailey
Ann and Bill Young (Catherine Craker’s parents) and for the entire Craker and Young families.
Nadine Collier & the Collier Family
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:

Trice Berkley
Laura
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
Ron Gunn
Tim Haywood and Janice
Rick Hillard
The Jeter Family: Jamie, Mimi, Joely, Mia, and the entire family
Bill Jones and his family
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

☩ Prayers Requested at Assistance Day

Rodney (for housing concerns)
Star (for her mother)
Cara (for her health)
Brandon (for healthcare concerns and continued education)
Quentin (for his children's care and for housing)
Jermaine (for his marriage)
Sivana-Raye (for safe, secure, permanent housing)
Tamira (for her living and job situations)
Chris (for his new job and for continued strength in recovery)
Angelo (for protection for him and his family from evil)
Cindy (for healing for herself and for family)
Ruth (for recovery and housing)
Bryan (for health and housing)
Trisha (for housing)
Stephen (for hip pain and rehabilitation)
Lakita (for peace, abundance, and physical healing)
Christine (for her family relationships)
Moutea (for housing and financial stability)
Daphne (for steady work and for her friend who's incarcerated)
Anthony (for his business venture to prosper)
Frederick (for help with his driver's license)
Michael (for his children and family)
Stefon (for stable and safe housing before winter)
Sarah (for help with a friend’s safety and legal issues)
RaTavya (for the loss of her son)
Heaven (for a recent loss in her family)

☩ For those Discerning or Preparing for Holy Orders

Demi Chowen (Presbyterate)
Nan Noecker (Diaconate)

☩ World, National, and Local Community Concerns

Pray for all those who have lost their lives, their loved ones, and their homes to natural disasters; for victime of wildfires in Europe and North America, and for those devastated by the earthquakes in Colombia and Venezuela.
For all those affected by storm damage and flooding, especially those in the western deanery of our diocese.
For Canon Terri Bays as she enters a period of discernment as one of three candidates from which the recently formed Diocese of the Great Lakes will elect their first bishop. We pray for her, for her family, and for their diocese and our own as this process moves forward. Come, Holy Spirit!
For protection of the lives and livelihoods of immigrants and for the families and communities mourning the loss of their loved ones.
For an end to wars and for a lasting Peace in all regions of the world, especialy in Iran, Gaza, and Ukraine.

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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Joe Anand-ObletonSeptember 10, 2026