One of the bishop’s Lenten disciplines is the offering of Eucharist with Prayer Over Oils and Renewal of Vocational Commitment (otherwise known as a “Chrism Mass”) for the rostered leaders of the synod. This liturgy is offered throughout Lent, once in each of the ten conferences of the synod.
In addition to the celebration of Holy Communion, including preaching rooted in relevant biblical texts, during the liturgy the bishop prays over two oils used for anointing, one for baptisms, the other for anointing the sick. Participants are encouraged to bring cruets to be filled with these oils for use in their congregation’s ministry.
In another part of the liturgy, all present are invited to renew their commitment to their particular vocation in response to God’s continuing claim and call. After the liturgy, the bishop is available for pastoral time one-on-one with those who request it.
While the focus of much of this liturgy is rostered leaders, all are welcome to participate.
Bishop Bill Gafkjen
| Date | Location | Contact | Phone | Conference |
| Tues., Feb. 28 | First English Lutheran Church, Richmond, IN | Rev. Brian Derrer | 765.962.6355 | ECIC |
| Wed., Feb. 29 | St. Paul Lutheran Church, 925 Broadway St., Vincennes, IN 47591-2924 | Rev. Tim Kraemer | 812.695.3241 | EVANS |
| Thurs., March 8 | St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Indianapolis (9:15 a.m.) | Rev. Bill Novak | 317.251.1770 | INDPLS |
| Wed., March 14 | Cedar Hill Retreat Center, Carlisle, KY | Rev. Stephen Flynn | 502.227.9950 | EKY |
| Thurs., March 15 | Hope Lutheran Church, Crown Point, IN (9:30 a.m.) | Rev. Freda Scales | 219.465.0995 | NWIC |
| Tues., March 20 | St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Batesville, IN | Rev. Jill Kepler Campbell | 812.934.4246 | SEIC |
| Wed., March 21 | Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, South Bend, IN | Rev. Jeff Zell | 574.288.6664 | NCC |
| Thurs., March 27 | Grace and Glory Lutheran Church, Goshen, KY | Rev. David Hively | 502.228.0650 | SCC |
| Wed., March 28 | Messiah Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN | Rev. James Cress | 260.433.3100 | NEC |
| Thurs., March 29 | Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Lafayette, IN | Rev. David Doane | 765.447.4205 | LAF |
Services are at 10:00 a.m. unless otherwise specified.