eConnections - August 30, 2026

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eConnections

The Weekend of the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
(Year A: Proper 17, Track 1)

August 30, 2026

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The Dean's List

One to Go
When I arrived at the Cathedral of Saint James in May 2008, I didn’t really have a plan—or even a clue—about how long my tenure as dean would be. My principal goal was stability: stability for the Cathedral following the short tenure of my immediate predecessor and the difficult era that preceded him, and stability for my family following my own unexpectedly short stint in my previous position. At a minimum, I hoped to serve for at least seven years—long enough to address some systemic issues, accomplish a few major goals at the Cathedral, and get three of my four children through high school.

Spiritually speaking, the real “should I stay or should I go?” test for clergy has to do with questions such as: Is this ministry fruitful? Do I still have a clear sense of what I am supposed to be doing here? Is the relationship between priest and congregation still healthy and positive? Because the answer to those questions has been “yes” all along, somehow we have found ourselves walking this unexpected and amazing road together for more than eighteen years.

Bishop Frank Gray ordained me to the Sacred Order of Priests on June 21, 1997. On that day, I was not only entrusted with priestly ministry in the Episcopal Church and turned loose on the good people of St. Anne’s, Warsaw; I was also enrolled in the Church Pension Group. And on that day, a date in the distant future was etched into my mind: July 31, 2027—the end of the month following the thirtieth anniversary of my priestly ordination, and the day I would become eligible to retire with full benefits.

For the first ten years of my priesthood, that date was a whimsical dream belonging to an unimaginable future. Then, in 2007, my father-in-law died. He had retired at age sixty in hopes of having good years of travel and adventure with my mother-in-law, who lives with the enduring effects of polio and whose mobility they worried might one day limit their possibilities. Around age sixty-five, he was diagnosed with cancer. At age seventy, he entered into the nearer presence of Jesus.

If ever there were a case for living life while you can, Craig Ford is it. From the time of his death forward, that soft ending of pension eligibility became a hard stop for retirement. While I love what I do and am deeply honored by the people with whom I get to work and whom I get to serve, the time for the next chapter of life is drawing nigh.

(Incidentally, my mother-in-law, Anne Ford, is alive, well, and indomitable. Hi, Mom!)

So—barring the unforeseen—I am now in my last year as Dean of the Cathedral of Saint James and of full-time, active ministry in the Episcopal Church. As I have reflected upon the rather interesting career behind me and the time we have remaining before us, one phrase keeps coming to me:

Relationship is what we have.

Here’s what I think it means.

Sunday by Sunday, at the Rite One service at 8:00, we hear Jesus’ summary of the law: Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments, Jesus says, hang all the Law and the Prophets.

Practically speaking, the Ten Commandments can be viewed through this lens: the first four concern our relationship with God, and the latter six concern our relationships with our fellow human beings. There is also a clear sense, however, that these two commandments are of a piece. They are two sides of the same coin and are therefore inseparable from one another.

There is an even deeper truth in Jesus’ use of the word love. Beyond the legalities of “thou shalt” and “thou shalt not,” the imperative is right relationship. To love God is to love neighbor; to love neighbor is to love God. So says the Incarnate One: Emmanuel, God With Us.

Relationship is what we have.

Connection with Christ and with one another—two sides of the same coin—is both our gift and our calling. In the end, this seems to me to be the most important thing I have to say.

So, this year, our stewardship effort—chaired by Cathedral Treasurer Christopher Hillak—will be an every-member canvass that seeks, first and foremost, to establish connections and build relationships within the Cathedral community.

This year, we are working on meaningful ways to involve children and youth in worship and community life—not just on special Sundays, but all the time. This year, we will carry on with the Pizza Fellowship and Dining Out Group and, hopefully, add occasional potluck lunches and dinners for special occasions.

This year, in addition to Ecumenical Bible Study, Education for Ministry, and Adult Forum, it is my hope to continue offering Short Course classes for adults and teens. My prayer is that, when Bishop Sparks makes his final official visitation to the Cathedral on Easter Sunday 2027, we will be presenting many people from our community for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation—not simply as a measure of participation, but as a manifestation of growing relationships with God and with one another.

Relationship is what we have.

And what a gift it is.

Blessings,
Brian

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

Join Team Cathedral and/or Donate :)

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 29  The Beheading of John the Baptist

No Events Scheduled


Sunday, August 30
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Year A: Proper 17, Track 1

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

Monday, August 31  Aidan of Lindisfarne
Cathedral Office: Closed
No Events Scheduled


Tuesday, September 1  David Pendleton Oakerhater
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm
Fr. Brian Out of the Office

No Events Scheduled


Wednesday, September 2  The Martyrs of New Guinea
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm

8:30 am
Assistance Ministry


Thursday, September 3  Phoebe
Cathedral Office: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
No Events Scheduled


Friday, September 4  Paul Jones
Cathedral Office: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm

12:05 pm
Holy Eucharist

1:00 pm
Community Lunch at Grill 362

 

Saturday, September 5  Katharina Zell

No Events Scheduled


Sunday, September 6
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Year A: Proper 18, 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

Ministry Schedule

Sunday, August 30
Year A: Proper 17, Track 1

8:00 am
Lector  Patty Hans
Lay Minister  Mary Young-Marcks

10:30 am
Lectors  Celeste Hilliard & Christopher HIllak
Eucharistic Ministers  Rick Hilliard, Betsy VanderBurg
Ushers  Dave Woods, Michael Worns
Acolyte  Matthew Worns
Hospitality  Volunteer Needed
Linen Care  Cindy Laney
Sacristan  Volunteer Needed

Tuesday, September 1
Counters  Rick Hilliard & Dave Woods

Friday, September 4
Folder  Norris Whitfield

Prayer List

Collect for the Thirteenth Sunday
after Pentecost (Proper 16)

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; 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 31  Lisa Jaworski 
Aug 31  Fr. Jim & Karen Slack (63)
Aug 31  Fr. Martin Yabroff
Sep 01  Mary Jo & Richard Appelt (36)
Sep 01  Lillian Illes (97)
Sep 02  Laura Worns
Sep 03  Dcn. Joe & Lillian Illes (77)
Sep 04  Janice & Tim Haywood (27)
Sep 04  Lisa & Michael Jaworski (33)
Sep 04  Beverly Mitchell (97)
 

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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