Gethsemane Episcopal Church is a thriving Christian community in the heart of Marion, Indiana. We are committed to being the body of Christ and to doing God's work in the world.
Welcome
Welcome to Gethsemane. When you visit, the first thing you might see is the red door on the Washington street entrance to our church. While multiple theories exist as to why so many churches have red doors, one of the most common is that the red door symbolizes a place of refuge and sanctuary. In an often divisive world, Gethsemane strives to be that kind of a place for all our visitors and members. Regardless of creed, race, ethnicity, bank account, immigration status, gender, sexuality, education, physical or mental ability, marital status or political affiliation, we want you to feel welcomed and appreciated.
But what does that mean in practice?
Gethsemane wants to be known as a place that supports families and singles, creates safe spaces especially for those with religious trauma, and challenges unhealthy power structures. We believe the first step in making the world better is creating a church where people can be valued for who they are. In particular, Gethsemane does not discriminate by race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or political affiliation, particularly in regards to the following sacraments:
● Eucharist. All baptized Christians are welcome to partake in the Eucharist, and all non-baptized visitors are welcome to receive a priestly blessing.
● Baptism and confirmation. We have a process for preparing new members for baptism and confirmation.
● Marriage. We practice marriage equality at Gethsemane, meaning we marry straight and LGBTQIA+ couples so long as the couple meets the requirements of the Book of Common Prayer. For specific information, see our priest-in-charge.
● Participation, leadership, and ordination. We are a small church with a diversely talented congregation. Our members in all their differences are what make our church special. We have also sponsored many men and women in the path to ordination. Should you choose to make Gethsemane your home, we would welcome your service and your unique talents.
Planning Your Visit
Whether you are visiting Marion, attending a special service, or looking for a new church, we hope your visit to Gethsemane is warm and uplifting. If you are new to the Episcopal church, welcome!
At Gethsemane, many of our parishioners were not raised in the anglo-catholic tradition; we know that the liturgy and customs can feel quite foreign at first! Rest assured, our clergy and parishioners are eager to support you as you navigate the service. The bulletin and Prayer Book provide all responses and cues, but feel free simply to observe during your first few visits, and follow along as you feel led.
Gethsemane has a diverse range of attendees, which we love, and we hope you feel that whatever your place in life, you feel you can find a way to minister and be ministered to in our church.
Ministry to Children
Children’s Sunday School is offered during the first part of the Mass for children aged 4-11. Children and teachers join the adults for Communion. Gethsemane utilizes Godly Play curriculum. From the Godly Play website: This curriculum focuses on making meaning through story, wonder, and play, and honors the centrality, competency, and capacity of children (https://www.godlyplayfoundation.org/).
The nursery is also available to parents and children as needed. Look for seasonal activities for families with children as well!
Every person who volunteers with children is required to attend an abuse prevention training provided by The Episcopal Church, in addition to passing a background check. Your child’s well-being is our highest priority.
Our Core Values
Healing the wounds of history. We approach this through Christ-centered discussion and debate.
Living with difference and celebrating diversity. We are committed to showing by example a way to a just and inclusive society.
Building a culture of peace. We follow the example of Jesus and strive for an end to violence on a personal and societal level. We strive to be a symbol of hope and work as advocates of peace.
To access faith formation through the Book of Common Prayer please click below.
What We Believe
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary to salvation. Our heritage is the faith of the matriarchs & patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and those of every generation who have looked to God in hope. We accept the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed as statements of our basic beliefs.
Our Background
Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Marion, IN is one of the oldest churches in the city and is located in the Diocese of Northern Indiana on Miami land. Learn more at the Gethsemane Blog: http://gethsemaneepiscopal.org/
For many years, the clergy and members of Gethsemane Episcopal have committed to the work of reconciliation and healing. To do this, we have led annual discussions on race, sexuality, and women’s issues. Learn more by clicking on our Reconciliation Center tab. We are also proud to be LGBTQIA+ inclusive and affirming.
Priest in Charge
The Rev. Mindy Bowne Hancock has been a licensed minister for over 20 years. She came on board at Gethsemane in August 2019 shortly after being ordained an Episcopal priest. She is a native of central Indiana with with a B.A. in Religion from Olivet Nazarene University and a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and with certificates in chaplaincy and congregational development. Before coming to Gethsemane, Mindy served congregations in Kansas City and Kokomo, and also worked as a hospital chaplain.
Community
Learning Together
Banned Books and Baked Goods: Join us for an in-person book club where each month we read a banned book and discuss it over some delicious snacks. All are welcome.
Book Studies: Dan Bowman’s On the Spectrum: Autism, Faith, and the Gifts of Neurodiversity; Anne Lamott’s Help, Thanks, Wow; Ednin & Schaefer’s book $2 a Day: Living On Almost Nothing in America; Karen Armstrong’s The Lost Art of Scripture: Rescuing the Sacred Texts; and Rachel Held Evans’ Inspired; Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book Braiding Sweetgrass.
Gethsemane facilitated a 6 month dialogue series from The Episcopal Church on race and faith called Sacred Ground. Two of our readings were Howard Thurman’s Jesus and the Disinherited and Debby Irving’s Waking Up White.
Neighborhood Food Security:
In addition to other seasonal initiatives, we partner with Black Lives Matter of Grant County and Moving Forward Marion to collect and distribute non-perishable items through a Little Free Pantry on Gethsemane’s grounds. This partnership also extends to occasional pop-up distribution events of non-perishables. “Take what you need, give what you can!” The LFP is located in the yard on 8th Street between Washington Street and Adams Street.
Lunchbox Ministry: The final Sunday of the month at noon, we host a hot meal for neighbors to enjoy.