Visitors explore the Modernist sanctuary at St . Timothy ’ s Episcopal Church in Indianapolis , Indiana . Karen DiLossi
A large table in Crain Hall , one of the spaces used for community gatherings at St . Timothy ’ s in Indianapolis . Karen DiLossi
early on , as the initiative took shape , Bishop Baskerville-Burrows and her colleague in ministry , The Rt . Rev . Douglas Sparks , Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Indiana , recognized that their aspirations for deeper collaboration between their dioceses could be powerfully realized by joining efforts . With both dioceses engaged , the program ’ s scope was significant , serving over 80 Episcopal parishes across the state .
Linda Buskirk , an experienced Fort Wayne-based church consultant who became the project director , said of the program , “[ It ] helps faith communities see what they offer their neighbors through a lens of strength and opportunity , rather than through a tired view of regret over changed reality . It helps church leaders see potential rather than problems , and teaches them to promote
their parish in that positive light . It helps us see ourselves in the same way God sees us : gifted , strong , a clean slate .”
CBCP participants ’ journey includes training , facilitated work on site , and engagement with local community leaders , all assisted by small capital grants . The goal is for each parish to be more engaged with its community , to be empowered by a refreshed take on its own mission , and to formulate a meaningful strategy to fully activate its buildings and assets through service . A small team of clergy and lay leaders from the congregations benefit from Partners ’ guidance throughout , from taking a new look at their missions and buildings to ensuring new partnerships and ministries take root .
At the strikingly-designed mid-century St . Timothy ’ s in Indianapolis , lay leader Rose Anne Grasty explained how the training offered in the programming , uniquely customized by CBCP , helped to open their eyes about opening their doors : “ Most of us are learning that the space that we have is not ‘ Sunday space ’— it is space for the use of God ’ s children . That may mean something entirely different than what is has meant in the past . Especially [ for ] us lifetime Episcopalians [ who ] have to see things very differently and open ourselves up to the world around us . We can provide our space for new uses . We just need to open up !”
With the program now in its second year and serving its third cohort of parishes , projects to restore and invest in congregational buildings and support new ministries are flourishing statewide . Situated between Gary and South Bend is the small city of LaPorte , which shares with its famed neighbors a legacy of industry and historic buildings engendered over a century ago . While those proud memories have accrued a gritty patina over time , St . Paul ’ s dedicated members have remained a committed force for
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