Most of the attendees were themselves senior citizens, which we defined as over 60, people eager for information on how to enrich our lives and bring more joy and meaning to these homestretch years.  The workshops ranged widely, from spiritual care at the end of life to the spiritual benefits of co-housing, from the teachings of the From Aging to Sage-ing program to meditation, from Native American spirituality to ethics in end-of-life decision making, from music for the soul to Islamic beliefs about aging and death, and more.

Feedback from attendees has been very positive, with people asking when the 2012 Spirituality in Aging conference will be held.  When and if will be decided by the Elder Ministries Committee.   I've had dozens of emails and phone calls from people who attended saying how important the conference was to them, and eager for more, and even asking why we couldn't do the conferences twice a year!!!

The audience and the presenters were decidedly ecumenical and we had publicity support from the United Methodists, the Milwaukee Archdiocese, the Unitarians, and the ELCA.   We also had sponsorship from the Masters Degree in Counseling program at Mount Mary College, who offered continuing education credit house and also brought 10 student volunteers who worked hard and did a great job.

Last year attendance was about 150.  This year it was over 300.  It's very clear that we elders and those who care for us professionally and personally are very eager for more information and more inspiration and an opportunity to consider the really big questions we have.

Thanks to all who helped and attended and told others about it.

Mary Bellis Waller, conference planner

Do you ever wonder . . .

How can my church grow? What are my personal strengths and how do I use them? What are different ways to survey the congregation? How do other parishes make this work? How do we make decisions that everyone can support? How do I develop new ministries? How do we build community within our parish and our civic neighbors?

If you are looking for a fresh perspective, peer learning and meaningful discussions about how to work in the parish you love, please join us in CDI (Church Development Institute). Participants attend 8 interactive sessions over the course of two years,  beginning November 18-19, 2011.  More information on the 2011-2012 CDI class is in our flyer .  Contact Peggy Bean, Bishop's Deputy for Congregational Development, for more information or to register.  (414) 272-3028/ext. 158 or bean@diomil.org

Middle School Youth Event set for June 11, 2011

Jesus and our Life Journey: Middle School Youtth Event

The Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee

June 11, 2011  9:19 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.

St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

N27 W24000 Paul Court, Pewaukee, WI 53072-6239

Who can attend?

Any person in grades 6-8 and adults who work with youth

What is a Middle School Youth Event?  This Middler's Event is a special day put togethr for you, to help you grow in love of yourself, others, and Jesus Christ.  Activities include laughing, sharing, playing, praying.  You will learn to grow while having the time of your life.

For more information / to register see flyer or call Deacon REGS Scheeler at 262-827-9378.

Soup-er Bowl

Support ending hunger

in our community

Saturday, April 16

11a-1:30p

Join us for soup

5 kinds of soup available

(served in bread bowls from Charcoal Grill) plus cookies

You can also get "to go"

Good Will Offering

      

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

St. 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.