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SUMMER eNEWSLETTER

August 17, 2016  
 Diocesan News
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.
Gulf Coast Flooding Affects 40,000 Homes
Episcopal Relief & Development, Louisiana dioceses respond
 
Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana's emergency response efforts in the wake of widespread flooding that has affected more than 40,000 homes across the state. Some areas received more than 24 inches of rain, with record precipitation of up to 30 inches around Baton Rouge. As of August 17, twenty Louisiana parishes (counties) had been included in the federal disaster declaration.

With support from Episcopal Relief & Development, the diocese is providing food, emergency housing and storage, and gasoline, and helping to replace of lost items by distributing gift cards at churches and shelters. Over the long-term, the economic impact of the flood will fall most heavily on those least able to recover quickly, with road and business closures resulting in lost income on top of repair costs.

In the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana, a large portion of the diocese is included in the federal disaster declaration. Diocesan leaders are working with local churches to assess needs as they respond in their communities, and Episcopal Relief & Development is in close touch with the diocesan disaster coordinator.

FEMA warns of heavy rain through August 20 from Texas to Alabama and likely flooding in Louisiana and further north along the Mississippi River.


Bulletin inserts about the Gulf Coast floods are available in English and Spanish.
News from the Peace & Justice Committee
Next meeting Saturday, August 20 
 
The Peace & Justice Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will meet Saturday, August 20 at 9 am at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.

The Peace and Justice Committee also offers suggestions and resources for fall programming to address gun violence; Islamaphobia; Israel/Palestine; and opportunities to get involved with the Interfaith Coalition Against Racism (ICAR). Learn more.

 
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. View the grant criteria and application.

The Phoebe Griswold Grant honors the work of Mrs. Griswold with a $1,000 grant available to any individual in the diocese, female or male, who has developed a unique program benefiting women and/or children. View the Griswold Grant criteria and application.

Applications for both grants are due to the ECW office by September 15, and the awardees will be announced at the Diocesan Convention in November. Questions should be directed to ECW President Beth Petti.
Save the Dates: 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." 
Antiracism Training in October   
 
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. Watch for details and online registration.
Youth Ministry header 7

Building Connections for Adult Youth Leaders

This academic year the diocese will host a series of gatherings for adults who minister with youth to connect, share resources, and learn from one another. The first Youth Ministry Network meeting will be held at St. James Commons (65 E Huron, Chicago) on September 22 from 11 am to 1 pm. Those unable to attend in person can join by phone or video conference. Future meetings will be held in various locations around the diocese in an effort to minimize travel. Please contact Chad Senuta to RSVP.

Find the latest News for Youth Ministry.
Summer Publication Schedulesummer

From now through August 31, we will publish one email newsletter every other week that will combine announcements for diocesan leaders and general interest news. Look for the final summer newsletter on August 31. The regular publication schedule will resume with Leadership News on September 7 and the general interest newsletter on September 14. 
 
If you have information to be included in the bi-weekly e-newsletter that is sent out on Wednesdays, please send information to Jen Boyle-Tucker by noon on the Tuesday of the week of publication. 
 Clergy News
Save the Dates for 2016 Clergy Conference 
 
The Annual Clergy Conference will be held October 16 - 18 at Techny Towers in Northbrook. The Rev. Canon Charles LaFond will be the guest speaker. Please watch for registration information and program details to come.
 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. 
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.
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.
 LearningLearning Opportunities
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. 

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.

 
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 one-day introductory workshop at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois.

The workshop will include in-depth introductory sessions on Centering Prayer, along with a range of other topics. Learn more and register online. Email Alan Krema with questions or call him at 630.770.6932.

 congregationeventsCongregation and Community Events
Interfaith Leadership with Dr. Eboo Patel
October 6 in Wilmette
 
On 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.
Farmers Market at St. James Commons
Thursdays through August 27   

 

On Thursdays through August 25, St. James Commons, 65 E. Huron, hosts a Farmers Market from 8 am - 1 pm featuring produce from Growing Power, natural cosmetics, and youth-made artwork. The market is sponsored by Strides for Peace, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending gun violence in the City of Chicago.

St. Augustine College Golf Outing
September 16 in Lemont, IL 
 
On Friday, September 16, St. Augustine College will host its 6th annual "Raising Dollars For Scholars" golf outing at Gleneagles Country Club, in Lemont, Illinois. The event raises money for scholarships to the college. Register online or contact Gail Lawler at 773.878.3694 for more information. 
2016 Chicago CROP Hunger Walk
Register online for the September 25 event 
 
The Chicago CROP Hunger Walk Committee invites all churches to  participate in the 34th annual Chicago CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, September 25. Learn more and register online.

Around the Diocese

On August 20 and September 17, from 11 am to 2 pm, St. Paul's, De Kalb will host its Thrive Farmers Market on the front lawn of the church. The market offers fresh produce on a pay-at-what-you-want basis. Find more information online or call the church office (815.756.4888).
 
On Sunday, September 11, the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11, Christ Church, Winnetka  will offer a 6 pm Taize service of remembrance. All are welcome to join in prayer  for healing and peace.

Christ Episcopal Church, River Forest will host an Open Mic night on September 16 from 7 - 8:30 pm in the Undercroft. Enjoy music, spoken word performance, good conversation and refreshments. RSVP to perform by emailing Buzz Hunter or calling the church office (708.366.7730). 

Christ Church, Winnetka will hold its Fall Rummage Sale Thursday, October 6 from 7 am - 3 pm, at the corner of Oak and Maple in Winnetka. Learn more.
 jobsJob Openings
New this week: Organist & Accompanist at St. Simon's, Arlington Heights. Visit the website for a full list of clergy openings and lay employee openings. 
 savethedatesSave the Dates
View the website homepage for a listing of upcoming 2016 diocesan events including: 

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

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IN THIS ISSUE
 
Diocesan News

2016 Diocesan Convention  





Spread the Word
We've thrown open the doors to our email newsletter. Please forward this email to your congregation and colleagues and invite them to sign up
 
Summer Publication Schedule
From now through August 31, we will publish one email newsletter every other week that combines announce- ments for diocesan leaders and general interest news. 
 
Look for summer newsletters on August 3, 17 and 31. 
    

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


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