supporting congregations
creating disciples
building community
nurturing growth
Please forward this on to any and all you you think might be interested, including teachers, volunteers, parishioners, vestry, lay leaders and friends!
|
|
|
|
| Upcoming Events |
March 16-17
Woman's Retreat @ Redemptorist Retreat Center
|
|
Camp Webb 2012
| |
For more information go to www.campwebb.org.
Intersted in being on staff?
Click here for information!
|
| Resource Center | |
If you are looking for ideas, curricula, books or videos, please visit our online database for our Resource Center which is kept up to date, so as soon as we get a new resource, you will see it online! We have the full collection of NOOMA videos. You can find out more about them at http://nooma.com
You can search through book ISBN, by DVD or VHS or by curriculum.
You can also find online resource links there. If you would like more information or if you would like to check out any materials, please let us know! Kate McKey is the Resource Center Coordinator and you can find her at diomilformation@gmail.com.
|
Find us on Facebook!
Visit us on the web at |
|
|
| Carla's Corner | |
The new "buzz" word
From February 1 - 4, 2012 I attended the NAECED (National Association of Episcopal Christian Education Directors) conference in New Orleans, LA. This was my first time attending the conference. I learned that NAECED has been an active and growing group for fifteen (15) years. In fact, it has grown to include many "formation officers" in its membership including Camp Directors, Children Formation Directors, Youth Ministers, Diocesan Formation Officers, Provincial Formation Officers, and the Formation Team of the Episcopal Church.
As you can see, NAECED no longer is only about education directors and therefore is not a truth-telling name for our group. On Friday of the conference we officially change d our name to FORMA: Partnering to Inspire Christian Formation. Our new name incorporates all formation partnerships within the church.
Partnering - this is the one word that I heard over and over again during the week. It wasn't our theme; but, it certainly was the "buzz" word. In order to form disciples in Christ at all ages it takes a partnering. Formation includes a partnering of formation in worship, adult classes, Sunday school, youth group, camp ministry, outreach, and vocation. We are formed by all that we do and it all works together.
Some recent partnering work has been working with parishes to create their own Safeguarding Best Practices that fits the particular parish, researching and providing curriculum for trial use at many age levels, and leading Living Compass forums. I have also been on several parish visits and it is so exciting to hear how many have formation opportunities for all ages. Some create their own formation materials and some are using a variety of resources. Thank you for sharing these stories with me.
As we move forward in Christian Formation I'm hopeful we can continue to be partners.
|
What's Up Kate?
|  Intentional Youth MinistryI have been traveling a lot this last month. I attended the Episcopal Camps and Conference Center's (ECCC) Annual Conference at Camp McDowell in Alabama. I also attended the Forma conference in New Orleans with Rev. Carla McCook. Both of these conferences were wonderful in very different ways. The unifying theme I found, though, was being intentional.
As a community, we have focused much of our energy on just getting our youth to events. Once they are there we do some great work in bringing our youth together and forming them into a strong community. I think that we need to be more intentional, though, on the spiritual formation of our youth and helping them make their spirituality part of their regular vocabulary. Every Sunday morning at St. Andrew's, Madison (my home parish) our youth group gets together, blesses the doughnuts, and does a check in. This includes a rose (something good that happened in the last week), a thorn (something not-so-great that happened in the last week), and a bud (something you are looking forward to). This check in brings up some great conversations but we have also started adding a new component: where is God in your rose, torn, and bud? I think this is a great exercise to do to see where God is in our day to day life. Be it camps, conference centers, youth groups, or just regular life, we need to be aware of the ways God is all around us. Camps and youth events are great "mountain top" experiences for our youth but we also need to see that God is not just in those amazing moments. He is also around when we are mad, sad, angry, hurt, or just plain ol' bored. We are never far away from the grace that is God. |
|
Deacon REGS is here to help
| |
 REGS Parish Visitation Calendar
REGS is available to visit and help your parish he has been a deacon of this diocese many years, serving us in many different ways. He is always willing to share his journey with you. Throughout his time, his passion and focus on formation and education for youth and their leaders has not changed. REGS is a non-stipendiary staff person who is available to help congregations move through transition, assist them in discernment or challenge them as they move forward. He can make visits on Sundays and some weekdays. If you think a visit from him would be of use to you, don't hesitate to call and discover the ways in which he might help your parish. He has a gift and call for cooking ministry which we try to incorporate into all he does. He can be reached at dnregs@wi.rr.com or (262) 827-9378.
REGS Parish Visitation Calendar
February 12, 11:15 AM, Good Shepard, Sun Prairie, Cooking Ministry
Menu Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Noodles
February 26, St. Albans, Sussex After School Special
Menu Eggs, Egg Drop Soup, Devil Eggs, Bible Study and Crafts
March 11, 9:00 AM Good Shepard, Sun Prairie, Cooking Ministry
Menu, Frittata, Hosting Coffee hour after 10:00 Service
April 1 thru April 8, St. Albans, Sussex
Holy Week Services
April 15, Trinity, 11:00 -1:30 Janesville, Jr. High Presentation
What are the Sacraments and What is Liturgy, cooking session
Children Message during service.
April 22, Trinity, Janesville, 11:00 Jr. High Presentation
Baptism and what is Baptismal Ministry, how youth hear the Call.
Children Message during service.
April 29, Trinity, Janesville, 11:00 Jr. High Presentation
What are the other sacraments, what are the symbols and who are the ministers.
Children Message during service.
May 6, Trinity, Janesville, 11:00 Jr. High and Parent Presentation
Helping the Parents Reinforce what the Youth have Learned.
Children Message during service.
|
Diocesan Outreach event at St. Aidan's
|
Youth Helping Haiti
February24th at 7pm to the 25th at 3pm
St. Aidan's, Hartford
670 E Monroe Ave
Hartford, WI 53207
Living out our spirituality by
Fun, Faith, Formation
Despite the huge outpouring of money following the devastating earthquake of 2010, Haiti is still struggling with
widespread hunger, disease, and loss of hope.
As Diocesan youth, we can make a difference. We will make food packs to send to Haiti while learning why God calls us to serve others
Register Here
$25 per person
� Scholarships are available
|
|
Women's Retreat
|
Th e Spirituality of the Friendships of Women:
The Story of Ruth and Naomi
A Women's Retreat
6 PM Friday, March 16 thru
4 PM Saturday, March 17
Held at the Redemptorist Retreat Center
1800 North Timber Trail Lane
Oconomowoc, WI 53066-4897
Join us for a weekend for reflection, study and prayer together as women, discovering how we can create and build healthy, vibrant and spiritual relationships as women. Space is limited so register early.
Registration Form is available on our diocesan website on the Christian Formation webpage at www.diomil.org.
Hosted by St. Mary's, Dousman and the Diocesan Office of Christian Formation
Retreat Leaders: Rev. Carla McCook, Bishop's Assistant for Christian Formation, Sandi Smith, Masters of Theology, Sacred Heart Theological Seminary, Meredyth Albright, Senior Seminarian at Nashotah House.
|
Faith, Hope and Health
|
Faith, Hope and Health
May 10-12, 2012
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
 On the shore of Lake Michigan De Koven Center Racine, WI 4th Annual Seasons of Health Ministry National Episcopal Health Ministries Keynote - Edwina Gateley 
Edwina is a poet, theologian, artist, writer, lay minister, modern-day mystic & prophet. Additional information and registration:
National Episcopal Health Ministries (NEHM) http://www.EpiscopalHealthMinistries.org Email:mjcrist@CRTelco.com 317.253.1277 ext 16
|
|
|
Camp Webb 2012 Camper Registration and Staff Applications are Online!
|
There may be snow on the ground but it is not to early to start thinking about Summer camp!
We are alread y starting the search for Camp Webb staff for next year. We will be having staff training starting on June 4thth and camp will end on June 29th. Applications are posted up at www.campwe bb.org NOW!
Camp Webb is an outdoor ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee. Everyone who comes to Camp Webb is given the opportunity to learn more about themselves and others, to discover more about the Episcopal Church, to develop a greater spiritual awareness, and to encounter Christ through living and learning in God's creation. Campers will learn new skills, make new friends, create lasting memories and explore who they are and who God is in their lives.
For more about Camp Webb go to www.campwebb.org.
If you have questions, please contact Kate McKey, Youth and Camp Coordinator, at McKey@diomil.org or 414.272.3028 x114 or 606-770-5299.
|
| Congrats to Rev. Deacon John Koski | |
Congratulations to the Rev. Deacon John Koski (Resurrection, Mukwonago). John accepted a position as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Lakeview Specialty Hospital and Rehab in Waterford. The hospital specializes in caring for those with traumatic and other acquired brain injuries.
"Since my ordination last June," John says, "God has been calling me to live out my call as a deacon both within the church and through my vocation. For that reason, I became certified as a CNA in December 2011. With only about ten (10) years of my working career remaining, I wanted a vocation where I could make a direct difference in people's lives and the lives of their loved ones."
|
NEW Safeguarding God's People
Training Dates |
Safeguarding God's People:
Preventing Sexual Exploitation in Communities of Faith and
Preventing Sexual Harassment of Church Workers
Safeguarding God's People is the training program which is for protection of adults with regard to sexual exploitation and sexual harassment. All clergy who have not taken this course within the last five years are strongly encouraged to attend this one day training. Lay persons may also sign up if they are on the list of required attendees. A complete listing of required attendees can be found at www.diomil.org. This will be the only spring training opportunity. If you are unable to attend on this date, watch for other opportunities in fall 2012.
Date and Time: Friday, March 23rd: We will begin promptly at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Place: St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, 6205 University Avenue, Madison, WI.
To Register: Call the Office of Christian Formation, The Rev. Carla McCook, 414-277-3028 ext 116 or send an email to McCook@diomil.org by Monday, March 19.
For the latest information on Safeguarding God's Children
and to register for a training, please click here
.
If you would like to schedule a training in your parish or if you have a number of people who need to be trained, please let me know so that we can schedule an event at your church or in your area. You can call, email or click here to request a training.
Please make note of all who need to be trained in SGC, such as: vestry, Vacation Bible School Teachers and Volunteers, Youth Group Leaders and Volunteers, Sunday School Teachers, Church Staff, and those going on trips with youth.
Are you wondering who needs to be trained? Click here to find the Diocesan Policy as well as a link to the chart of who needs what training (which is found on page 42 of the Diocesan Policy Manual.) If you have any questions please let me know.
|
Websites, Facebook and Twitter. OH MY!
| As Rev. Carla and I have been working together, we have seen a real need for more social media from the Christian Formation office. The Diocese is in the process of developing a new website so we took this as the right time to start upping our social media presence.
Please like our Facebook page 
and our Twitter feed is here: 
These medias not only provide us a place to talk about what is happening in the Christian Formation office but it also gives us a space to give you many new resources that are not talked about in our e-News.
Follow or Like us today!
|
New Curriculum at Resource Center
| |
Embracing the Prophets:
In Contemporary Culture
As of February we will have a copy for this DVD series at our diocesan Resource Center. If you and your parish are interested in borrowing please email the Resource Center to reserve a copy today. This is a six (6) week series and each participant will need to order a copy of the book that goes along with the DVD. The books can be purchased through Amazon.com. Resource Center email: McCook@diomil.org.
|
Church Streaming and Podcast Licensing
| |
As technology pushes forward, more churches are discovering the value of streaming or podcasting their worship services online. Often, churches will start by just webcasting the pastor's message, but at some point, many churches will want to share their full worship experience and include their live music.
Great idea! But remember, there are copyright issues involved. Live music streaming or
podcasting over the internet is recognized as a "broadcast performance." Including copyrighted songs in a webcast without permission is considered copyright infringement, and the penalties can be severe.
A Church Streaming and Podcast License allows your church to stream or podcast your
live-recorded worship music on your church's website or other streaming service. You can get this license along with your standard Church Copyright License, which covers music copying activities to assist with congregational singing within your worship services. The Church Streaming and Podcast License will allow you to take your worship "outside" of your church walls and share it with the world.
If you would like more information about this license check out www.ccli.com or contact the Christian Formation office, McCook@diomil.org.
|
| Send your articles into the Christian Formation E-News |
If you have formation news, events, or resources that you  think would be of interest to the Diocese at large and that you would like to see in this electronic publication, please do not hesitate to email Carla or Kate at . ALL ARTICLES MUST BE IN NO LATER THAN THE 7TH OF EVERY MONTH.
Thank you for your ministry, for your commitment to Christian Formation, and for sharing your gifts with the church.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Making Curriculum Decisions
| |
From Sharon Pearson, Christian Formation Specialist at Church Publishing
Support for Making Curriculum Decisions
Now is the time to begin evaluating your programs and resources before planning for the coming program year. And that includes looking at curricular resources. Remember, published curricula is a tool for helping you fulfill your goals and objectives. Here are updated resources to help in your planning:
To Sign up for a variety of Church Publishing newsletters, go to:
|
Christian Formation Staff | |
The office of Christian Formation has recently undergone several changes. With the Rev. Carla McCook, Kate McKey, and the Rev. REGS Scheeler taking over, it is an exciting time of transition. They look forward to this year with new ideas and lots of energy! They would be happy to help others in the Diocese in any way possible, and can be reached by their contact information listed below.
Rev. Carla McCook is the Bishop's Assistant for Christian Formation. She work in conjunction with parishes and convocations to create, sustain and promote education and formation and offer resources for all ages in Christian Formation. She is also available to lead a teaching series or preach on request.
She is looking forward to beginning this new ministry and can be reached at McCook@diomil.org or (414)272-3028 ext 116.
Kate McKey is the Youth and Camp Coordinator. She is in charge of the programing of Camp Webb, the Diocesan summer camp. She also plans other events such as Happening and a youth presence at Convention. She does most of the social media work for the Christian Formation office. Kate is also serving part-time as the youth minister at St. Andrew's in Madison.She can be reached at McKey@diomil.org or 414-272-3028 x114 or 608-770-5299.
The Rev. REGS Scheeler has been a deacon of this diocese of many years, serving us in many different ways. Throughout his time, his passion and focus on formation and education for youth and their leaders has not changed. REGS is a non-stipendiary staff person who is available to help congregations move through transition, assist them in discernment or challenge them as they move forward. He can make visits on Sundays and some weekdays. If you think a visit from him would be of use to you, don't hesitate to call and discover the ways in which he might help your parish. He is also in charge of the New Beginnings weekend and is assisting with other formation events throughout the year. He has a gift and call for cooking ministry which we try to incorporate into all he does. He can be reached at dnregs@wi.rr.com or (262)827-9378. |
|
If you have formation news, events, or resources that you think would be of interest to the Diocese at large and that you would like to see in this electronic publication, please do not hesitate to email me at mckey@diomil.org. ALL ARTICLES MUST BE IN NO LATER THAN THE 7TH OF EVERY MONTH. If you want to be removed from this list, you may do so. If you have missed an issue or if you would like to look at old issues, links to the archives can be found on the Christian Formation Pages at http://www.diomil.org/christian-formation .
Thank you for your ministry, for your commitment to Christian Formation, and for sharing your gifts with the church. Please let me know if there is anything that you would like to see in this eNews in the future and don't forget to pass this along!
Peace,
|
The Rev. Carla McCook Bishop's Assistant for Christian Formation The Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee McCook@diomil.org
|
|
|
|
|
