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 |
Diocesan Convention
Oct 12-13, 2012
Youth @ Convention
Oct 12-13, 2012
June 16-21, 2013
Camp Webb Oct 12-13, 2012 |
|
Camp Webb 2012 & 2013 | |
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 |
|
|
| Youth @ Convention! Oct 12-13, 2012 |
 Youth @ Convention Friday, October 12 & Saturday, October 13, 2012! - Friday - Convention Eucharist 5:30 PM
- Convention Dinner
- Sleep over at St. Dunstan's, Madison
- Saturday - Service Project at Grace Church Food Pantry, Madison
- Then Lunch and Hang-Out Time!
- Pick up Teen at 2PM!
For More Information and to register check our website: www.dio.mil.org/youth Call Carla: 414. 272.3028 ext 116 Registration will be online only!
|
| St Aidan's and West Bend Mission Trip 2012 |
 Our Mission Trip Participants: Carl, Linda, Anna, and Forrest at Grace House, Appalachian Mountains. Four people from St. Aidan's, Hartford, and St. James, West Bend returned from a week-long mission trip in the Appalachian Mountains. From August 4-11, 2012, we lived and worked at Grace House on the Mountain, near St. Paul, VA. We had a wonderful time! The mission trip was a truly transformational experience, where we got to know and to love both the people we helped and the people we worked with. The average per capita income of people in and around St. Paul, VA, is $5000 per year. We worked on much-needed home rehabilitation, and the work was accommodating to people of all skill levels. The families we served deeply appreciated however we were able to help. However, the people we served also helped us through their hospitality, generosity, and incredible faith. The Grace House program is run through Episcopal Appalachian Ministries (EAM), and it is very well organized. Accommodations, food, materials, and work site assignments were all coordinated by EAM. We only needed to show up with open hearts and hands willing to work. EAM offers multigenerational and youth-based mission trips, and it was especially accommodating to smaller groups of people. If you are looking to plan a mission trip for your congregation, and if you think EAM might be a good fit for you, I would encourage you to check out their website at http://www.visit-eam.org/ . You are also welcome to contact me if you have any questions, at 262-673-7273 or at pastoranna@staidans-hartford.org. Peace, The Rev. Anna Doherty Vicar, St. Aidan's Hartford, WI
|
A Book in Review
| |
Committed to Christ: Six Step to a Generous Life 
A stewardship program that presents giving as a lifelong journey in Christian discipleship. After an introductory Sunday stressing the importance of commitment to Christ, the next six weeks are spent exploring six steps to a generous life:
- Prayer
- Witness
- Bible Reading
- Financial Giving
- Worship
- Service
With each step, participanats are asked to assess prayerfully their own level of commitment and to consider increasing that commitment by one step. Equal emphasis is placed on each of the six steps, clearly communicating that this program is not simply about money, but rather cultivating a thankful heart that will lead us to giving more than we can ever imagine.
Other Stewardship Programs now available from Cokesbury.com.
|
|
TheNew in the Resource Center | |
 WHAT'S NEW in the RESOURCE CENTER?
We have several new items in the Center this fall. Call or stop by to check out new curriculum ideas!
- Connects > Beginnings
This resource is designed with your tweens in mind. Explore Bible themes and how the bible stories fit together. From Spark House at wearesparkhouse.org
2. Animate Faith also from Spark House
This curriculum uses social media to animate and guide you through the basics of Christian theology. It brings the quetions, wonderings and experiences of traveling the often bumpy road of faith.
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.
4. Evangelism 101 https://sites.google.com/a/diomil.org/home/christian-formation/resource-center/children
5. The Bible Challenge
from The Center for Biblical Studies |
| Carla's Corner | |
Carla's Corner: New Focus for Diocesan Youth Ministry
Out of our Life Long Christian Formation Commission has come The Youth & Family Commission. In my first eight months I worked with Kate McKey and Deacon REGS Scheeler to put together a youth commission. In bringing people together it has become clearer that a focus on the whole family, not just teen-youth is the direction we are being called to follow. The Youth & Family Commission is just getting "off the ground" and we would welcome teens, young adults and adults with a heart for children, youth and families to consider joining our commission.
The Y&FC focus on family came out of an understanding of how much families are pulled apart by many activities and business of our lives and that as the Church we are one place that doesn't have to opperate in that same way.
The Y&F commission has decided that we will host one diocesan youth & family event per semester. Our first is Youth @ Convention, October 12-13, Madison. Our next event will be Family Day Saturdays. One will be hosted in Milwaukee, Jan 19, 2013 and the other Feb 16, 2013 in Madison. These two Saturdays are the same event offered regionally and is for the entire family. Whatever your family make-up, you are invited. Mark your caledars now! The Y&F Commission think this will be a good start to this new beginning in Youth and Family Ministry.
Christian Formation Calendar for this coming school year is below and can also be found at http://www.diomil.org/christian-formation/christian-formation-calendar-2012-2013
Fall Semester 2012:
Youth @ Convention (Y@C): Oct 12-13, 2012, Madison. Friday evening eucharist and dinner at convention center, sleeping at St. Dunstan's Church, breakfast at St Dunstan's, Service Project Grace Church Food Pantry, lunch back at the church and then teens go home with parents. We need parents/leaders to help chaperone and drive for this event! If you can do this, please let me know ASAP. Thank you.
Winter/Spring Semester 2013:
Family Day Saturdays: Jan 19th & Feb 16th
Summer 2013:
Camp Webb Open House (June 2)
Camp Webb (June 16-21)
Mission Trip (July 2013)
Faithfully,
Carla
|
What's Up Kate?
| |
 What a wonderful and crazy season it has been! I do not think there has ever been a summer that has taught and humbled me before and I could not be more thankful. Camp Webb, General Convention, and moving to Boston are all big life changes and I want to express my gratitude for each of these.
First is Camp Webb. We had an amazing June full of love, friendship, and faith. Being our third year renting from Lutherdale Bible Camp, our staff was welcomed with open arms and bonds across denominations and camps came quickly. Our staff worked hard to create a welcoming and exciting week for our campers and gave much of themselves during staff week. When our campers came, we were blessed to see many old and new faces. Friendships grew, laughter was shared, and the Holy Spirit moved through us all during our time at Camp Webb. I want to thank our staff who worked so hard, the parents of campers who helped support this fantastic ministry and for the clergy from around the Diocese who came to be with us during our time in the great outdoors. To see more about our amazing summer, please go to our new Camp Webb video at http://www.campwebb.org/Home. Next came General Convention which was an experience I will never forget. I got to spend my time working at the Episcopal Generations booth and the Youth Hospitality room. Episcopal Generations was a booth I was commissioned with others from around the US to create by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Staff of the Episcopal Church. Our main goal was to talk about how we connect people across generations and how we do not loose people in the gaps between "age brackets". The Youth Hospitality Room was a space that the Diocesan Youth Ministers of Provence V put on for youth coming to General Convention. I had the great honor of helping create this room with wonderful people and we hosted over 350 youth throughout Convention. When I wasn't in those two spaces I was running to listen to hearings, committees, and sit in on the House of Deputies and House of Bishops. It was a blast and yet very tiring. If you would like to read more of a play by play of my experience you can check out the Diocese of Milwaukee Christian Formation Twitter @EpiscoDioMilCF. Now as I write this on my last day of work for the Diocese of Milwaukee, I think back on all the wonderful people I have met and had the chance and privilege to work with. I will take all I have learned and experienced with me out to Boston and wherever life takes me. Thank you for everything and I am sure I will be seeing you around!
Blessings and Love,
Kate McKey |
| Safeguarding God's Children & Safeguarding God's People In-Class Trainings and On-line | |
Safeguarding God's Children
- Aug 18, 2012, 9am-Noon, St Christopher's, River Hills
- Sept 8, 2012 9am-Noon, St James', Milwaukee
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.
SAFEGUARDING GOD'S PEOPLE is now on-line! This is mandatory for all cleargy and lay leaders (see roles list above). On-line is the only way to take this SafeGuarding portion. Contact Rev. Carla McCook directly to register. (mccook@diomil.org) |
| 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
|
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!
|
| 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.
 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. |
|
Article Headline
|
Include "How-to" articles or hints and tips on related subjects. Try a reader's poll. People love to give their opinion, and you can publish the results in your next newsletter. Drive traffic to your website by entering teaser text for the article with a link to your website for readers to view the full text.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
