June Dispatches
Dispatches is a monthly update that seeks to keep you advised of news, developments, and resources that support our shared mission across the diocese.
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Upcoming events
Annual Missional Planning Summit
June 13, 2026
All Saints Cathedral Amesbury | Amesbury, MA
Each year, parish leaders gather for the Annual Missional Planning Summit. This is a time to reflect on God's faithfulness in the past, ask where He has us right now, and where He is leading us in the future. Through prayerful listening, a proven framework, and supportive coaches, each of the ADNE parishes will leave the Summit with a plan that lays out the actions and timelines required to achieve God's best for His kingdom.
The Missional Planning Summit is open to rectors, wardens, and any other key leaders.
Vermont Creative Arts Missions Trip
July 15-20, 2026
7th Seed Christian Farm | Huntington, VT
Join us for a hands-on missions experience in Vermont focused on service, creativity, and community. Students will help run a farm camp, serve individuals experiencing homelessness, and partner with local ministries through worship and service projects.
The trip will include creative arts, farming and food preparation, outreach meals, worship with a local church, and time to enjoy Vermont’s natural beauty—all while learning what it means to serve others with humility and joy.
Explore What’s Coming Up Across the ADNE
We’re excited to introduce our new Events Page—your go-to place to stay up to date on everything happening across the diocese. From conferences and retreats to trainings and gatherings, it’s all in one place and regularly updated.
Take a look and start planning what’s ahead—then check out the calendar below for a snapshot of upcoming events.
Priority: reawakening
Registration for Reawakening 2026 is now LIVE!
Plenary speaker and Old Testament scholar Chad Bird will open up "The Freedom of Forgiveness" for us!
Dr. Winfield Bevins of Creo Arts will lead a Friday night special session on releasing the power of the arts in the church. Dessert reception and group art show: "Forgiveness."
New Saturday Youth Tracks for Children, Middle School, and High School!
New Group Registration Option: 15% discount off of Standard Registration for groups of 4 or more! Perfect for families and church groups!
Special Volunteer Discount Options (see description in the registration link)
Register now through September 21 to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount!
Featured stories
NEWS AND UPDATES
Safeguarding Update
When I was asked to share an update with ADNE on our Safeguarding Youth and Vulnerable Adults initiative, my first thought was, no problem. Then when I was told it would be the feature article in the latest edition of Dispatches, my second thought was, "How on earth am I going to write an update on this for Dispatches? Wouldn't it be far more exciting to hear about the latest youth retreat and the table surfing that took place?" Clearly that was a long internal thought that bled right through my thought bubble and into my verbal, and now written, reality. Nevertheless, here we are. My main goal is to share the facts of where we are as a Diocese, but I also don't want to bore you to the point of skipping right over this update.
Back in February, ADNE hosted a Zoom meeting covering the basics of the new safeguarding policy. One of the most important things to know about the work being done is that we are not doing it alone. Recently, Bishop Drew, along with Bishop Cameron of Pittsburgh and Bishop Engel of The Great Lakes, signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that solidified a partnership among the three dioceses. While this may not seem all that exciting at first glance, it represents a real and meaningful commitment to safeguarding our children and vulnerable adults. As a result of the MOU, the three dioceses have entered into an agreement that shares resources, provides support at the diocesan level, and. perhaps most importantly, allows for cross-jurisdictional investigations. The hope is that when such a need arises, an investigation can be carried out by an impartial team. Having done more investigations than I would have liked over the years within the school system, I can say firsthand just how taxing the process is for all parties involved. The ability to share that load is a tremendous help for all three dioceses. I would ask for your prayers for this new partnership, that the Lord would be gracious to the teams of receivers and investigators who are being formed and trained.
On the more local side, there are some important dates and action items to be aware of. On the rectors/senior wardens Zoom call in February, we discussed a compliance timeline for churches and ministries. Here is a summary of what needs to be completed by July 30th and submitted to ADNE no later than August 30th:
A designated Safe Church Director
All required personnel must have:
Had a background check conducted
Completed an abuse awareness training
Been trained on the ADNE policy and signed an acknowledgment of that training
A congregation roster submitted to ADNE
A signed acknowledgment from rectors confirming all action items are complete
I cannot stress enough how important this work is for the most vulnerable members of our congregations. I also know that some of us still have questions about the updated policy and the new canons being considered by the ACNA. As with all the work we do in the Lord's name, I encourage you to bring those questions and concerns to prayer, and as in all things, to ask for wisdom and guidance. It is a genuine honor to serve alongside so many wonderful men and women who have been called to this work. May God bless you and continue to strengthen our ministries.
Yours in Christ,
Ben+
Canon for Safeguarding
Leadership Development Updates
Ephesians 4:15-16
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Our growth is not only for ourselves, but strengthens the whole body. The ADNE is committed to growth, both wider and deeper. If evangelism is about growing wider - introducing people to Jesus and the wonderful salvation He offers; leadership development is about growing deeper. We serve and support others out of our own experience of God’s love for us.
We all lead. God’s love shapes us into good leaders.
This month, I want to share a few updates about Leadership Development projects, and invite you to join!
Dispatches
In this monthly article, I’d love to highlight some of the leaders around our diocese. Send me an email (micah.thompson@adne.org) to nominate someone from your church that should be recognized. Their leadership can be lay or ordained; in church, business, family, or ministry.
College of Deacons
I have had great feedback from the deacons of the ADNE about holding a special dinner at this year’s Reawakening. If you are a deacon or heading toward ordination as a deacon, please plan to join us on Friday night of the conference for dinner and conversation.
Growth in Season
If you could do one things well in your Christian life, what would it be?
We are working on scaling up a year-long discipleship program to launch this fall. Growth in Season brings groups through a process of discernment, education, and experimentation to launch into the unique calling that God has placed for this season of life. Rectors, this is a great incubator for launching new outreach and discipleship ministries. We’ll have details down the road - but keep an eye out. We are hoping to have groups around New England and online, beginning just before Advent.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE MINISTRIES AND PRIORITIES OF THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF NEW ENGLAND.
The Anglican Diocese in New England wants to be on mission together: every parishioner, every leader, and every church. As a family of churches reaching across the breadth of New England, God is calling us to serve in the reawakening of the Northeast.
We can do so much more in God when we work together.