In-Person Gathering Ministry Network Grants from Province I

After careful consideration and prayer, the Executive Committee of Province I has determined that an in-person annual Conference, though much anticipated and longed for, could potentially put our neighbors at risk due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in New England. For this reason, we have determined that the October 30th Conference will be held online from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Registration for that Conference can be found here, and all Episcopalians in New England are invited and encouraged to attend.

The Executive Committee also recognizes, however, the value and importance of being together physically in the work of God, of the Church and of the province. We want to encourage and equip members of Province I to collaborate and make community in all the ways that feel safe to you while following the guidelines of the church and CDC. Therefore, this year the province is making available grants of up to $2,000 to each ministry network that applies and is approved. If your group feels you can safely gather in-person but need support to fund that as an option, then please send an email explaining which network is applying for funds, how the fund would be used, and who to contact with questions. Emails should be sent to Will Harron at coordinator@province1.org , who will forward them to the Executive Committee for consideration.

To re-cap how Province I can support the work of Ministry Networks even during COVID:

Online, Ministry Networks can:

• Use the Province Zoom account to schedule online meetings or webinars;

• Use the Province email distribution lists to reach people engaged in similar work;

• Use the Province YouTube channel to share public videos about the work of the networks, or to host private videos (not shared publicly on the web) for internal education purposes;

• Use the Province social media accounts to share news and events;

• Suggest other ways the province can partner with and support.

In-person, Ministry Networks can:

• Apply for a one-time grant in 2021 or 2022 for up to $2,000 to support in-person gatherings;

• Suggest other ways the province can partner with and support.

Please direct and questions you may have to Will Harron, Coordinator of Province I, at coordinator@province1.org