A message from Bishop Miller

Dear Friends in Christ,

This morning we all awoke to news of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. I ask you all to hold the people of Japan, especially our sisters and brothers in the our Anglican Communion partners the  Nippon Sei Ko Kei in your  prayers. This branch of our communion has particularly close ties to The Episcopal Church. It was begun by American missionaries, among them, I believe,  the forebears of our own Arthur Lloyd. Pray, too, for our sisters and brothers in Hawaii and on the  west coast of the United States and for all those who assist in relief efforts.

Events in Wisconsin have felt to many like a tsunami as the end of this week saw a series of swift legislative maneuvers that resulted in the passage of portions of the budget repair bill that did not require the super quorum that had been unattainable in the Senate within 24 hours. Today the governor signed that bill into law.

For many this has been an emotional last few weeks. I am grateful to have heard from many of you thanking me for my letter, (see following block for Bishop Miller's February 18 letter)words at the State Capital, and the thoughts I shared with the Episcopal News Service. It is my intention to write a more reflective piece in the next two weeks when the emotions are less raw and there is ample opportunity to reflect. My working title is "Ideology or Theology."

Yesterday, the clergy of the Diocese gathered for a day of reflection and prayer. Included in our prayers was the Prayer for Sound Government found in the Book of Common Prayer (p. 821) which we offered at the time the State Assembly returned to session. I commend that prayer to you as individuals and congregations in the days ahead.

Yours in the reconciling love of Jesus Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Steven A. Miller

Bishop of Milwaukee

Dear Friends in Christ,

Over the last few days we have witnessed freedom and democracy at work around the world. I am pleased to report to you that our friends in our former companion diocese of Egypt are safe and that the missionaries of The Episcopal Church serving in Egypt are continuing their ministry in that place. I know you will join me in continuing to hold the people of Egypt and the rest of the Middle East in your prayers.

This past week we have also seen democracy at work in Wisconsin as thousands gathered in Madison in response to the Governor's Budget Bill. Regardless of our individual positions on the bill before the Legislature and what steps are necessary to build a stronger and better Wisconsin, I believe we can all agree that our baptismal vow to "respect the dignity of every human being" is not served by a majority simply pushing through legislation because they have the votes necessary to do so.  As Christians, it is our duty and call to make sure that everyone has a place at the table . . .  read full letter

             

BIKE RIDE FOR CLERGY AND LAY ALIKE

SAVE THIS DATE!  

Thursday, June 2nd - 9:00 a.m. SHARP!

Meet at Parking area in Wales Wisconsin

(just West of Hy 83 and South of Hy 18)

Endurance Ride:  55 to 60 Miles

Shorter Ride:  15-20 miles

Stops: Morning Prayer at St. Mary's, Dousman. St. Paul's, Watertown, Noonday Prayer and light lunch, 2:30 or 3:00 PM, Evening Prayer in Zion, Oconomowoc, Return to Wales with a bundle of endorphins, and money . . .  BECAUSE THIS RIDE WILL COST YOU: We want pledges to the "Endowment of the Diocese of Milwaukee". The larger we make the "Endowment" the more it earns, to support missions and other ministries and reducing pressure on parish assessments. 

START YOUR SPINNING ON BIKES INDOORS  NOW AND BE READY!

Don't be intimidated by the distance -- there are two options: 1) Turn back at any point or, even better, Fr. Mark Moore, rector of St. Paul's, Watertown will pick you up! He will also be available if your bike breaks down and you need help to a bike shop.

More details will be coming but set your calendars for this and begin to think how you might get pledges for the ride.

Where did this crazy idea come from? Fr. Jim Kaestner and several other like minded clergy . . . stay tuned!

The Altar Guild Adventure returns to Milwaukee this year to discover the wonders on our own patch: 

Francis Catholic Seminary, Sisters of St. Francis Motherhouse Chapel, St. Joseph's Center Motherhouse, the Unitarian Society, and St. Hyacinth's. We'll go to Coquette's for lunch - an Altar Guild favorite! Docent-led tours of the churches, lunch, and luxury bus are all included in the registration fee ($50). 

Please see brochure  for details or contact Jane Henning at shennin2@facstaff.wisc.edu or 608-238-4089.  

 On March 22nd from 6-8pm St. Bartholomew's, Pewaukee (N27W24000 Paul Court, Pewaukee, WI 53072) will host the Community of Hope spaghetti dinner.  All are invited to attend and learn  more abou the work of the Community of Hope. 

more info 

The Commission on Global Reconciliation is soliciting your input from parishes as they prepare to recommend distribution of our diocesan 0.7% Millennium Development Goal Funds.  The amount in this year's diocesan budget is $6,634 (plus $5,000 which pays partial salary of the Coordinator of The Haiti Project.)  Input must be sent no later than July 1, 2011 to The Rev. Deacon Carol Smith at csmith@carthage.edu .

more information