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!
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| Upcoming Events |
Happening Reuion
May 19th
@ St. Aidan's, Hartford
J2A Training
June 9th and 10th @ St. Edmund's, Elm Grove
Camp Webb
June 2012
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Camp Webb 2012
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For more information go to www.campwebb.org.
Intersted in being on staff?
Click here for information!
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| 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.
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Find us on Facebook!
Visit us on the web at |
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Happening Reunion |
Happening Reunion
May 19th, 2012
9am-4pm
St. Aidan's, Hartford  HAPPENING has been a long running program in our diocese that has helped shape and form the spiritual life of youth. With all programs it is good to take time to look at our successes and areas that need work. This event is going to be paying homage to all that Happening has been for us but we need to kee our mind open to new ways formation can be done in the Diocese of Milwaukee. Please know that wea re not trying to take away the good Happening has done but we are looking for a new way to form the youth of this day and age.
This event is for ANYONE who has ever been part of the HAPPENING program.
This means elders, adults, young adults, and youth from any HAPPENING event ever held in ourddiocese.
We will have time to meet up with old and new friends along with visioning for the future of HAPPENING.
Snacks and lunch will be provided.
The cost is $15. Registration deadline is April 31st.
Questions? Contact Kate McKey at 608-770-5299 or at McKey@diomil.org |
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Camp Webb 2012 Camper Registration and Staff Applications are Online!
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Space is limited and spots are already filling up
Sign up Now!
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.
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New in the Resource Center | |
 WHAT'S NEW in the RESOURCE CENTER?
We have several new items in the Center this April. Call or stop by to check out new curriculum ideas for early fall planning!
- From LEADER RESOURCES, Spark House Publishing: www.wearesparkhouse.org
Re:form - Ancestors Youth curricula that gives teens a chance to encounter, engage and respond to the scripture of the Old Testament.
- From Augsburg Fortress: www.augsburgfortress.org
- The Greatest Story: Bible Introduction
This course is for anyone who wants to get a big-picture overview of the bible, its story and how that story connects with our personal stories. It was developed especially for young adults and adults, particularly those who are new to bible study.
- The Greatest Story: Jesus
This course was developed especially for young adults and adults who want to encounter the Jesus of the four gospel accounts and see how his story connects to our own stories.
- Welcome, Child of God (by Anne Ylvisaker)
An illustrated, hard-covered book for small children who will be baptized or their siblings will be baptized.
- Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church: www.episcopalrecover.org
This is the New and improved Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church. Included is an educational DVD, The Diocese Engages Alcoholism, by Bob Hibbs, Bishop Suffragan in the Diocese of West Texas.
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J2A Training
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 Training for J2A
Saturday, June 9, 2012
9:00-3:00
St. Edmund's, Elm Grove
A Program of Spiritual Formation for Young People
AND
The Changing Face of the Future of Youth Ministry
Sunday, June 10, 2012 12:30 - 4:00
Join us for two wonderful days of training! The first day will focus on how to use and implement and/or renew and improve your work with Journey to Adulthood. This is open to all parishes, those who currently use J2A and parishes who want to learn more.
Come Sunday afternoon as we talk with Tracey about how youth ministry is changing and the important aspects of essential ingredients in a working and vital youth ministry.
Registration information will be posted on the diocesan website!
 Tracey Herzer is a creative, energetic Christian educator who is in demand as a speaker, trainer and workshop leader at regional and national events. She believes passionately in lifelong Christian formation, the vital role of children and teens in the church and the importance of prayer. She is the author of many articles and programs, including WorkshopCycles , a Sunday School curriculum for children and Godparenting: Nurturing the Next Generation, a book for parents and godparents. She is Executive Director of LeaderResources, a small publishing and consulting firm specializing in Christian formation resources. She is also past President of NAECED-National Association for Episcopal Christian Education Directors, and continues to be an advocate for lay professionals in the church.
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| Carla's Corner | |
Carla's Corner: The 50 Days of Easter
Most folks know there are forty (40) days in the season of Lent, and many might agree that those forty cans can seem like a long six weeks. But surprisingly, most folks I talked with lately did not know there are fifty (50) days in the season of Easter!
The season of Easter begins with the first liturgy of the celebration of Easter, the Easter Vigil and continues through the Sunday of Pentecost. If you remember your gospel narrative, you will recall that Jesus spent forty days after his resurrection walking, talking and eating with his disciples. He used those forty days to open up and teach them the scriptures and how his ministry, death and resurrection were the fulfillment of the scriptures. On the fortieth day he ascended into heaven. So where did the extra 10 days come from?
The extra ten days were the days between Christ's ascension and the receiving of the Holy Spirit by the disciples as they prayed together in one place. If you want to read the scripture account, read Acts 1:1-11. Then, in Acts chapter 2:1, the story picks up with the day of Pentecost.
If you haven't thought about the season of Easter yet, take some time today. Easter season is a season for celebrating our resurrected life, giving praise and thanksgiving to God, being open to the anointing of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Perhaps your parish has special plans for celebrating Pentecost this year. I would like to hear about your plans. We can share them with others around the diocese.
Blessings this Easter!
Carla
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What's Up Kate?
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Summer= Camp Webb!
The summer is just around the corner and it is time to think about all the amazing things that summer brings. One of my favorite parts of summer is Camp Webb!
Camp Webb has been at its new rented location, Lutherdale, for 3 years now and it is a wonderful partnership. We have an air conditioned building along with wonderful lake access, a hobby farm, and wonderful food. For middle school and high school youth there is even a high ropes course to use. There truly is something for everyone.
This is my first year directing camp and I could not be more excited. Well, something that would actually make me more excited would be to have camp sold out this summer! Right now we are about 1/4 to 1/2 booked and we are ready for more registrations.
Camp is something that formed me into the person I am today and I would love for our youth to experience everything it has to offer.
This years them is The Epic Win. Many days we play games, either video games or otherwise. In this way we make friends, learn to never give up, and that there is always something more to achieve. This is also true with Christ. He always gives us something to look forward to, community to be with, and picks us up when we fall.
Camp this year will be full of fun, friends, and faith. If you would like more information, you can talk to me or go to www.campwebb.org.
Blessings,
Kate
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A Book in Review
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 Carla and I are hoping to be able to highlight a book or two that is in our Resource Center. This month my book review is on one of the most popular book series available. The Hunger Games by Suzane Collins is taking over not only book stores but the movie screens. I read the series because many of the youth I have been working with have been talking about these books and I wanted to be able to relate to them.
I found these books very entertaining and I understand why these books are popular but I also see that there are some hard themes to deal with. The idea of teens having to kill each other for reality entertainment is difficult to talk about with our children. I do think it gives us a moment, though, to talk about unjust structures. In The Hunger Games, it is the government that makes these horrible killings happen. One of the 5 Marks of Mission of the Episcopal Church is to "To seek to transform unjust structures of society". This books gives us an oppertunity to talk about why this is one of our Marks of Mission and why it is important to stand up for what you believe in.
I recomend reading this seriese and then taking a look at the links I am providing.
- Episcopal 5 Marks of Mission. Click HERE
- A couple of United Methodist Pastors have writen a bible study on the Hunger games. Click HERE
Blessings,
Kate
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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!
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| Safeguarding God's ChildrenTraining Dates |
Safeguarding God's Children:
New Dates will be set for the Fall
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.
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Resource Center getting a Re-vamp
|  Carla and Kate have been taking time this month to make sure that the Resource Center is up to date and to make sure new curriculum and books are available. Take some time to come in to the Resource Center at
804 E Juneau Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
to take a look at what we are doing or look at our inventory Here.
Resource Center email: McCook@diomil.org. |
| Episcopal Church Foundation Webinars |
 As part of ECF's on-going efforts to assist congregations in developing their leadership and financial resources, we are offering a wide range of webinars for clergy and lay parish leaders this spring. There is no cost to participate in any of these webinars and all lay and clergy leaders are welcome to participate.
Topics will include capital campaigns, endowments, and planned giving:
- Basics of Planned Giving(April 18 2012, 8:30 - 10:30 PM ET)
You will learn the basics of planned giving, how it differs from annual stewardship and capital campaigns, how your parish can build endowment through life income gifts, and you will have a plan of action by the end of the webinar. Click here to learn more and register. - Basics of a Parish Capital Campaign(April 26, 2012, 6:00 - 7:00 PM ET)
The webinar will provide a step-by-step understanding of the three phases: Discernment, Feasibility Study, and the Gifting Phase. This time-tested methodology has led hundreds of Episcopal parishes to successful efforts. Learn how to prepare for and execute a campaign for your church. Click here to learn more and register. - Basics of a School or Joint Parish-School Capital Campaign(May 3, 2012, 6:00 - 7:00 PM ET) If you are a leader at an independent, Episcopal school, or of a school joined to a parish, this is the webinar for you. We will discuss the similarities and differences with parish capital campaigns and focus on pre-K through 12th grade independent and residential schools. Topics will include: the role of the development staff; the reasons for using an outside consultant; and how to include parents, grandparents, and alumni groups. All lay and clergy leaders are welcome to participate. Click here to learn more and register.
- NEW!!Legacy Societies and Your Planned Giving Ministry (May 9, 2012, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM ET) Learn how a legacy society will enhance and empower your congregation's planned giving ministry. Jim Murphy and representatives from parishes with active legacy societies will discuss how legacy societies have made an impact in their congregaions. Click here to learn more and register.
- NEW!! Spending Rules for Endowments(May 23, 2012, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM ET) Using proper spending rules with your endowment is key to maintaining confidence and trust with your congregation and a key component of proper endowment management. Participants will learn about policies and practices to protect, manage, and grow your existing endowment. Click here to learn more and register.
To participate you'll need a computer (PC or Mac) with an internet connection and a telephone. If you have a headset and microphone, you can also participate over VOiP from your computer without the need to call in .
There is no charge to participate. Once you have registered, ECF will email you call-in instructions and instructional materials for the webinar.
Please note that registrations are managed on the Go To Training website, where you will also go to log in to participate in the webinar.
If you have any questions please email us or call us at 800-697-2858.
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| Growing Food and Faith Training | |
Growing Food and Faith Training
Procter Camp and Conference Center
May 10 thru the 14th
Participants from across the United States will be coming to learn about low cost gardening programs that will help rural community leaders address poverty, hunger and economic development within their youth and young adult populations.
The Growing Food and Faith Training is a unique, long-term initiative that prepares rural community leaders how to address poverty, hunger and economic development within their youth and young adult populations. The Growing Food and Faith Training will teach each participant how to implement very flexible, low-cost programs that can be implemented by any congregation, no matter its budget or resources.
Join us for this innovative new training and learn how to implement very flexible, low-cost gardening programs that can be utilized by any faith community, no matter its budget or resources.
Learn how to create a garden or a farm that will provide food for those who need it - from composting to crop rotation to which seeds to choose - you will learn through hands-on experience and by talking to others in the field.
This training is made possible through a generous grant from the Roanridge Trust and is being done in cooperation with Episcopal Relief and Development and Procter Camp and Conference Center.
Time is running out, please register soon if your planning to come.
For more information, please contact: Ms. Christine Tokarz, Procter Center Director, email:ctokarz@diosohio.orgor call 903.267.6372 |
| 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.
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Making Curriculum Decisions
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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:
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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. |
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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,
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The Rev. Carla McCook Bishop's Assistant for Christian Formation The Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee McCook@diomil.org
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