EDS @ Province V's "Big Provincial Gathering" 2026

Province V*'s Big Provincial Gathering (BPG) is an opportunity to meet new people and connect with others who share your ministry passions. It is structured like a "ministry fair" so that people may host workshops and conversations to share program and resource ideas with others. Join in this amazing event to get resources for your local ministry context.

*Province V (also known as the Province of the Midwest) is one of nine ecclesiastical provinces that make up The Episcopal Church in the United States. It serves as a regional ministry collaboration zone where member dioceses share resources, support networks, and leadership coaching across the Great Lakes and Midwest.

EDS's Coordinator of Community Life, the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Magill, is joining the gathering in person and will be offering the following workshops. EDS will also host a community life dinner on Friday, July 31 at 7:30 pm. Dinner is open to all attendees. If you would like to attend the dinner, please RSVP to [email protected].

EDS's Workshop Offerings:

Public Witness: Should We? How Should We?

In these times, in this place, we are called to proclaim good news outside our doors. But when, where? and how do we do this?

We will develop a strategy for discerning whether and when your congregation should speak out. And if you should, how do we do this?

This workshop will cover the expanse: social media, public conversations, stand-outs, boycotts, promotions and more. Youth with social media dexterity or impatiently wishing for more action are encouraged to join this discussion.

* This workshop will be co-led by Rev. Dr. Magill and EDS's Communications Manager for Strategy, Positioning, and Partnerships, Mary Grace Donohoe

Small Church Mission: Collaboration for Big Impact

Micro congregations might feel limited in their efforts to engage in Mission, but there are strategies that can help you to make a big impact on your community. With stories of tiny congregations that have done this, we will discuss how to go where people are, how to invite others to leadership, and how to find organizations to collaborate with for mission. We will include practice in how to engage your neighbors. Youth interested in how to make more connections outside the church are encouraged to join us.

Go Where People Are: Evangelism Means Showing Up

Evangelism is “sharing good news.” After a quick overview of what we know to be good news in our town, we will discuss strategies for showing up. What are ways to be more visible as a congregation and as a Christian? How much do people recognize your congregation as a resource, and how can you increase that?

This workshop will include a quick overview of marketing: product, placement, pricing, promotions, and publicity, as it applies to congregational programming.

Learn more & register on the Province V Website

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