NEWS FOR CLERGY & LAY LEADERS  

September 7, 2016 
 Diocesan News and Events 
Live Webcast on Refugee Resettlement
September 14 
 
Episcopal Migration Ministries will host a live webcast discussion, "One United People: A Dialogue on Refugee Resettlement and Faithful Welcome" on Wednesday, September 14. A panel of refugee resettlement practitioners, congregational leaders, and recently arrived refugees will discuss ways in which Episcopalians and faith communities around the United States welcome refugees.

Originating from the Episcopal Church Center in New York City, the 90-minute free webcast begins at 1 pm Central and can be accessed online. Questions can be emailed during the discussion to TECQA@episcopalchurch.org. The webcast will be available for viewing afterward. 

For more information email Allison Duvall, Episcopal Migration Ministries manager for church relations and engagement.
Fall Breakfast With the Bishop
Join Bishop Lee for conversation 
 
"In the Diocese of Chicago, we're in the transformation business," says Bishop Lee. "We really are in the business in the church of changing people's lives in Christ."

This fall, join the bishop for breakfast and conversation about the ministry of the diocese and the work to which God is calling us. To RSVP, please contact Associate for Resource Development Shay Craig via email or call her at 312.751.3576. 
 
Before attending a breakfast, you are encouraged to view a video from Bishop Lee in which he shares his thoughts on "what a diocese is for." 
Aplicación para el Fondo de Vitalidad 2017
La fecha límite para someter la aplicación es el 15 de septiembre del 2016
 
La Comision de Congregaciones les invita a aplicar al Fondo de Vitalidad 2017. Las congregaciones pueden calificar en base a la información proporcionada en la aplicación y a la disponibilidad de los fondos. Una reunión o llamada entre los líderes claves de la la congregación y el/la representante de la Comisión de Congregaciones, si se tiene un o una representante es altamente recomendado. Si tienen preguntas por favor contactar a su representante o a Kara Wagner- Sherer, coordinadora de la Comisión de Congregaciones al correo electronico o al teléfono 773.960.1889.



2017 Vitality Grant Applications
Applications due September 15, 2016
 
The Congregations Commission offers vitality grants to congregations that are using their gifts to sustain their mission and ministry and are making a difference in their communities. Congregations may qualify based on the information provided in the application, which can be
found online in English and Spanish. Congregations are invited to apply for the grant amount between $5000-$35,000 that they believe will best support their work. Grant applications are due September 15. Please contact Louisa McKellaston with questions.
Episcopal Church Women 2016 Grants
Apply by September 15 
 
The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of the Diocese of Chicago award up to three grants each year to support outreach. The ECW Recognition Grant honors the outreach efforts of women's ministries in the Diocese of Chicago. Up to two $500 grants will be awarded. The Phoebe Griswold Grant honors the work of Mrs. Griswold with a $1,000 grant to any individual in the diocese who has developed a unique program benefiting women and/or children. View the grant criteria and applications.

Applications are due to the ECW office by September 15, and the awardees will be announced at the Diocesan Convention in November.Please direct questions to ECW President Beth Petti.
2016 Chicago CROP Hunger Walk
September 25 starting at St. James Commons 
 
The Chicago CROP Hunger Walk Committee invites all churches to participate in the 34th annual Chicago CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, September 25. Register online.
Register Online for October Antiracism Training
 
Understanding & Analyzing Systemic Racism training will be offered by the Diocesan Antiracism Commission and partner organization Chicago ROAR October 20 - 22 at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Learn more and register online. 
Wisdom and Reflections: ECW Fall Retreat
October 29-30 at DeKoven Center 
 
Women of the diocese are invited to attend the ECW-sponsored fall retreat October 29 and 30 at DeKoven Center in Racine, WI. The retreat will be led by the Rev. Lindsay Hardin Freeman
and Jeannie McCabe will provide music for Sunday morning worship and a workshop on Sunday afternoon.
TENS Resources for 2016: Living Generously
 
The Diocese of Chicago is a member of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) which means that all of our congregations may access the resources provided on the TENS website. The 2016 theme is "Living Generously. To access the 'members only' materials please use the username: generous and the password: journey.
 
Episcopal Charities and Community Services 57th Annual Bishop's Ball
Friday, November 4 
 
Episcopal Charities and Community Services (ECCS) invite you to the 57th Annual Bishop's Ball honoring former Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, and the Rev. Jim Steen, former director of ministries in the Diocese of Chicago
 
For tickets and information visit the website or call 312.751.6721.
Fall Publication Schedulesummer

We publish both a general email newsletter and Leadership News, a publication for lay leaders and clergy in the Diocese of Chicago, on alternate Wednesdays. The deadline to submit items to be included is Tuesday at noon. 

Please send news about your congregation's ministry, mission and events to Jen Boyle-Tucker.
 Clergy News
Register for 2016 Clergy Conference
October 16 - 18 at Techny Towers     
 
Clergy of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago are invited to the 2016 Clergy Appreciation Dinner and Conference October 16 - 18. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Canon Charles LaFond, canon steward at the Cathedral of Saint John's in the Wilderness in Denver Colorado. Learn more and register online by October 1. For more information please contact Louisa McKellaston by phone (312-751-4214) or email. 
Youth Ministry header 7
 
Episcopal Youth Event 2017
July 10-14 at the University of Central Oklahoma
 

The E.Y.E. Planning Team has asked us to identify "a diverse group of faithful, mature high schoolers who are able to handle traveling, speaking in groups, and sharing their own faith journeys." We got this! So we hope you'll join us for this amazing event that only happens every three years. Young Episcopalians will gather from all over the world for exciting music, creative liturgy, engaging workshops, and opportunities to make lots of new friends. Registration opens early January 2017. Registration cost will be $350 plus travel and scholarships will be available. Save the date and start talking about EYE 2017 with your congregation! Learn more.
  2016 Diocesan Convention Preview
2016 Diocesan Convention  

The 179th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago will be held  Friday, November 18  and Saturday, November 19 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard.

Convention is the annual business meeting of the diocese, during which we conduct elections, vote on the next year's budget, propose resolutions and hear reports from across our diocese and the globe. Participants include clergy of the diocese and elected lay representatives from each congregation
and many visitors. More than 500 people attend the convention each year.

Bishop Yvette Flunder, presiding bishop of The Fellowship of Affirming  Ministries, a multi-denominational coalition of over 56 churches and faith-based organizations from all over the world, and founder of the City of Refuge United Church of Christ in Oakland, California, will be the keynote speaker at this year's diocesan convention. Read more about Bishop Flunder on the website.
Important Convention Dates and Deadlines
  • September 30: Certification of Delegates Due
    • Certifications are a separate requirement from registration and are due September 30. Forms for campus ministries, missions, parishes and youth are available on the website. Please contact Karin Gutierrez with certification questions.
  • September 30: Reports from Commissions, Committees and Task Forces are due.  
  • September 30: Last day for early $50 registration rate 
  • October 1 - October 31: Online registration available for $75.
  • November 1: Online registration closed. Please plan to register for convention and reception onsite.
All registration links and documents for download are available on the 2016 Diocesan Convention webpage.
Hotel Reservations
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center. The room rate is $119 plus tax and is available through November 3. Reservations must be guaranteed by one night's deposit (room and tax) on a major credit card.

Reserve your guest room online directly with the Westin or call Westin Reservations at 1.888.627.9031 and mention the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago for the convention rate.
Convention Volunteers Needed
 
Convention is our diocese's biggest event of the year and it wouldn't be possible without volunteer help. For those who plan to attend as a volunteer there is no fee but we ask that you register through our online system.

For more information please email volunteer coordinator Anna Stefaniak.
Exhibits

Vendors wishing to participate in the exhibit hall at the annual Diocesan Convention may now register online for a booth. More information is available on the convention webpage. If you have any questions, please contact Louisa McKellaston by email.
 Learning Opportunities
Emergency Planning for Houses of Worship
Free workshops offered September - November 
 
The Interfaith Security Advisory Council (ISAC) and the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) will present a series of free Emergency Operations Planning (EOP) Workshops for houses of worship throughout Cook County.

The workshops will help each organization develop a customizable and scalable emergency plan. Each house of worship may register up to six participants.Learn more and view the workshop schedule and kickoff webinar.
Leading in a Dynamic Environment: 
a Kayaking Adventure
September 18 - 21 at the Nicholas Center
 
Join the Rev. Dr. Bonnie Perry for a four-day leadership workshop that includes sea kayaking on Lake Michigan, praying, and group reflection. Participants should be comfortable in and around water, and be moderately physically fit. Register online. Cost is $500 per person.

 
Slaying Your Goliaths:  How God Can Help
Wednesday, October 5 
 
Members and friends of the diocese are invited to join the Rev. John Ohmer for a brown-bag lunch and conversation on Wednesday, October 5 at 12:30 pm at St. James Commons. Ohmer is the rector of The Falls Church Episcopal, and author of the recent book, Slaying Your Goliaths: How God Can Help.

Ohmer will share his reflections on rebuilding The Falls Church Episcopal as an inclusive and Christ-centered community after the parish won back its historic property in a lawsuit, and reflections on how the Goliath story can guide our own faith and work. Please bring your lunch; drinks and dessert will be available. RSVP or direct questions to the Rev. Kate Spelman or the Rev. Emily Mellott.
Interfaith Leadership with Dr. Eboo Patel
October 6 in Wilmette
 
October 6 from 1:30-4:30 pm, Dr. Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith Youth Core, will lead the Ministry Mentors' 2016 educational event at Winnetka Covenant Church in Wilmette.
 
Dr. Patel's presentation will be followed by
a panel discussion including Imam Hazim Fazlic, of the Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago; Rabbi Wendi Geffen, senior rabbi of North Shore Congregation Israel; the Rev. Peter Hawkinson, senior pastor of Winnetka Covenant Church; and panel moderator Dr. Hal Edwards. Learn more and register.
Centering Prayer Workshop
October 15 in Lisle 
 
On October 15, Contemplative Outreach Chicago, a local organization that teaches the practice of centering prayer, will offer its fifth annual introductory workshop at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. The workshop will include a session led by the Rev. William Redfield, a retired Episcopal priest from the Diocese of Central New York.

Learn more and register online. For questions contact Alan Krema by email or at 630.770.6932.
 Job Openings
New this week: Office Assistant and Facilities Manager at St. John the Evangelist, Lockport. Visit the website for all clergy openings and lay employee openings. 
 Save the Dates
View the website homepage for a listing of upcoming 2016 diocesan events including: 

  • Diocesan Convention November 18 - 19 at Westin Lombard Yorktown Center
  • ECW Fall Retreat and Forum October 29-30, DeKoven Center, WI
  • Episcopal Youth Event 2017: July 10-14 at the University of Central Oklahoma

   

2018 General Convention
The 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church will take place in Austin, Texas July 5 - 13, 2018. Learn more.
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PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

Bi-weekly email newsletters are published on Wednesdays.
    

The deadline to submit items to be included is Tuesday at noon. Please send news about your congregation's ministry, mission and events to Jen Boyle-Tucker.