Diocesan Ministry Fair

Annual Diocese Annual Ministry Fair
Theme: CHURCH MEETS WORLD with special guest speaker, The Rev. Winnie Varghese
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, at St. John’s, Plymouth, MI. – 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
St. John's Episcopal Church is located at 574 S Sheldon Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170; phone: (734) 453-0190
All members are encouraged to attend. You can also pay at the door on the day of the event.
Why Attend Ministry Fair 2025?
The Workshops are:
This is for anyone ready to help their church listen deeply and act faithfully.
- We live in a time that feels politically charged, socially fragmented, and spiritually strained. Many of us—across our churches and communities—are asking: What can we do? How can we respond? This 2-hour workshop is designed to help you lead with clarity, courage, and compassion in the midst of uncertainty.
- It’s not just talk. It’s a toolkit.
- Led by The Rt. Rev. Dr. Bonnie A. Perry, 11th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
- In this workshop, you will learn the signs of suicide ideation (suicidal thoughts) and how to respond.
- This awareness training is designed for faith communities and their leaders. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention designed this course “to help clergy and lay leaders foster hope and healing in their community”.* According to AFSP: “Many people go to their religious leader when they are struggling with the loss of a loved one by suicide or if they may be having thoughts of suicide.”* *https://afsp.org/soul-shop/
- Led by The Rev. Tom Ferguson – St. Aidan’s, Ann Arbor
- How building confidence in Gospel values and being able to articulate them in a loving, Christ-like way can bear fruit in the community.
- Led by The Very Rev. Jeanne Hansknecht – St. Paul’s, Brighton
- Loneliness affects all age groups and demographics and was recently declared a national epidemic by the surgeon general. Join us as we examine how your church can not only respond, but also grow! By fostering authentic connections and small group community, churches can create safe spaces where people find belonging, purpose, and hope.
- Join us as we present proven strategies and practical examples that any church can use, regardless of its size or resources.
- Led by the Rev. Chris Harris – Christ Church Cranbrook
- Join us for an insightful journey into the realm of digital media and marketing communications, where the intricacies of print, digital, and social media collide.
- Discover how to create a compelling online presence that resonates with your audience and amplifies your message.
- Whether you’re a seasoned communicator or just starting, this workshop will equip you with the tools to elevate your outreach strategies and strengthen your connection with the community. Embrace the digital age while staying true to the rich traditions of the Episcopal Church in this dynamic and informative session.
- Led by Dennis Boyd Jr., Canon for Communications; Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
