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 May 12th.
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! |
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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Spirituality of Aging Conference | |
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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
Register HERE!
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 also 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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| Women of Faith Conference Oct 5-6, 2012 |
 Milwaukee, WI
Oct 5, 2012 to Oct 6, 2012 You've never seen Women of Faith like this before! We all experience good times and bad days, triumphs and tragedies. But no matter what life throws at you, this is what matters: God loves YOU. (Always has. Always will.) You're invited to be part of a very special celebration. Compelling stories, Bible-based teaching, world-class music, unstoppable inspiration, and a few surprises combine for an experience like no other. God loves you! And that means there is always a reason to celebrate. Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Psalm 33:20-21 NKJV My friends and I from St Thomas will be attending for the third year. It has been great fun and has brought us closer to one another as a church community, as well as building stronger friendships. I strongly urge you to go to the website, www.womenoffaith.com and watch the video, see the line-up, and order your tickets! There are standard and premium seats, along with discounts for 10 or more people. Bradley Center1001 N Fourth Street
Milwaukee, WI 53203 Friday: 7pm - 10pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm Submitted by Gayle Radavich, Director of Christian Education, St Thomas of Canterbury
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A Book in Review
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 Searching for Spiritual Unity--Can There Be Common Ground? is an introductory course on forty of the world's most practiced, and most misunderstood, religions. Originally born out of author Robyn Lebron's efforts to create a Christian education course for her husband's Episcopal congregation, this easy-to-follow reference guide to international faith practices is designed to reduce the fear and skepticism that often comes when we encounter people with belief systems different than our own, with the ultimate goal of promoting peace and spiritual unity throughout the world.
Covering a broad array of different faiths: from mainstream Christian denominations, to Buddhism, to Islam and more, Searching for Spiritual Unity breaks down each faith practice into eleven categories to allow for easy comparative discussions: history, basic doctrine, God or gods, the concept of Jesus Christ, worship practices, infant baptism or blessing, confirmation or initiation, marriage, death and afterlife, judgment, and any special doctrines. Also included are comparison charts that can be used as a quick "at a glance" reference.
Did you know that...
� Pagan beliefs almost line up perfectly with Christian concepts?
� Voodoo dolls are not commonly used by those who practice Voodoo?
� Muslims believe in Jesus Christ's mission?
� The fastest growing religion today is also one of the youngest?
Take the challenge to educate yourself, and replace skepticism or fear with peace and understanding.
Author: Robyn Lebron
Paperback: 604 pages
Publisher:CrossBooks (January 13, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 978-1462712622
ISBN-13: 978-1462712625
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TheNew in the Resource Center | |
 WHAT'S NEW in the RESOURCE CENTER?
We have several new items in the Center this May. Call or stop by to check out new curriculum ideas for early fall planning!
- Christian Exploration of Daily Living by Fortress Press: parenting and dreaming
2. Go Make Disiples: An Invitation to Baptismal Living by Augsburg Fortress
3. Children's Worship Bulletins ages 2-6 and ages 7-12 now available on-line at http://www.diomil.org/christian-formation/children-s-ministry This free resource is available for weekly downloads. |
| Carla's Corner | |
Carla's Corner: hospitality: an icon
The title of this month's corner is from a short chapter in Lauren F. Winner's new book, Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis. In this short chapter Winner describes her good friend's unusual habit of inviting in strangers into her home for a cup of coffee, like the Jehovah's Witness week after week and a traveling salesman. When her friend was asked why she did this she said, it was because she worships a God who has said that he may be found in any person, any near or far neighbor, any prisoner or beggar on the street, any guest. So I'm offering you coffee because you might be Jesus" (Still, page 128). If you haven't read this book I certainly recommend it as a delightful and insightful read about one woman's journey in faith wrestling with her own doubts.
It was this short chapter though that resonated with me after my time spent at the Hospitality Center, St. Luke's, Racine during their week celebration of the one year anniversary. I met people who were praising God for his many blessings of abundance in their lives. These were men and women who are jobless and often homeless. I had gracious opportunities to stop and pray with different ones about their personal struggles, for protection, for healing in their families, for God's guidance to secure a new job. I watched as person after person welcomed one another into that space and place, some who stayed for an hour or more and others who wandered in and out in brief visits. No matter how often the person came and went or if they had a pleasant attitude or were a little grumpy, they were welcomed. It felt like the people there were welcoming Jesus who may have been among us.
I have had many wonderful opportunities to be welcomed into many of our parishes. Sometimes I'm invited to help plan formation for a year or select curriculum and other times to preach and celebrate Eucharist. Thank you for the hospitality of each of these encounters.
At a time when we seem to be taking sides and deciding who is "in" or "out" I hope that in our Church we can remember that Jesus called the marginalized to follow him. We can do the same and maybe have the chance to serve Jesus among us.
Faithfully,
Carla
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What's Up Kate?
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 A New Vision for Diocesan Youth Ministry
This weekend is the Happening Reunion at St. Aidan's, Hartford. The Happening Reunion is a time for us to gather from around the Diocese to talk about the great parts of Happening and what needs to be improved. It is time that Diocesan Youth Ministry goes in a new direction.
During my time in the Diocese of Milwaukee I have seen what wonderful youth we have and what promise we have to offer. It is time that we look at what the Diocese is offering and seeing if that is the best way to reach our youth.
Youth Ministry is changing just as our church is changing. One of the biggest discussions coming up at this year's General Convention is the structure of the Episcopal church. It is time that we look at youth ministry in the same way. Kids are more committed and over worked today then they were ten years ago. The way we reach our youth needs to change in accordance with the way our youth's lives are changing.
The Happening Reunions will be the place for us to talk about these changes and to voice our joys and concerns. I pray that we are open to change and we listen to where God is calling us.
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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:
- May 20 11:45 am at Trinity, Wauwatosa
- June 19 at 6 pm at St. John the Divine, Burlington
- June 20 11:45 am at Trinity, Wauwatosa
For the latest information on Safeguarding God's Children
and to register for a training, please click here
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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. |
| 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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