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SUMMER eNEWSLETTER

August 31, 2016  
 Diocesan News
Revisiting Pentecost
Bishop Yvette Flunder to speak at diocesan convention
 
Photo: Pax Ahimsa Gethen
Presiding Bishop Yvette Flunder of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries has had a few things on her mind lately, and she is planning on sharing her concerns with the Diocese of Chicago when she gives the keynote speech at its annual convention on November 18-19 at the Westin hotel in Lombard.

"I am talking a lot among the churches that I serve about revisiting Pentecost, primarily because so many people have emerged from very conservative theological backgrounds-MethoBaptiCostal traditions," says Flunder, founder of the City of Refuge United Church of Christ, a thriving, primarily black, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender congregation in Oakland, California. "We have a certain culture specific to churches we have come from, and the idea is to have some conversation about how we can have synergy among us with regard to the ways our cultures and silos separate us so drastically."

To Flunder, who holds a master's degree from the Pacific School of Religion and a doctorate of ministry from the San Francisco Theological Seminary, many of the tensions in American society stem from too narrow a concept of God. "It's indicative of why we demean First Nation people in terms of their spirituality, or Muslims in terms of theirs, or indigenous Africans in terms of theirs; it's because we cannot see the bigness of God," she says.

"Pentecost is about being empowered to get beyond the strictures created by these silos and find our way to one another beyond race, gender, empire or nationality. It is about moving to a place where we can see the entire family of God as one family." Read more. 
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. 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." 
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 
 
All 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 award-winning author the Rev. Lindsay Hardin Freeman and Jeannie McCabe will provide music for Sunday morning worship and a workshop on Sunday afternoon.
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.
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.Our regular publication schedule will resume with Leadership News on September 7 and the general interest newsletter on September 14.

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
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. 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.
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
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.

 
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.
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.
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.

St. John's Issues Call for Artists and Artisans
Apply now to exhibit at Maker's Mart October 22 - 23 
 
St. John's, Chicago seeks artists and artisans to sell their works during  their third annual Maker's Mart at St. John's Episcopal Church. All items must be handmade or made of recycled materials in the category of Art, Food, Crafts/Toys/Home Goods. Artists can also offer an Interactive Maker Activity. Learn more and apply by September 22.
Around the Diocese
 
St. Chrysostom's will host Cambridge University's Gonville and Caius College Choir Tuesday, September 6 at 7:30 pm. The renowned choir will sing works by composers with royal connections. Free and open to the public. Learn more.

Trinity Episcopal Church, Highland Park, will hold its Fall Rummage Sale on Friday, September 9 from 7 am to 7 pm and Saturday, September 10, from 8 am until 1 pm. The sale is a collaborative effort among Trinity Episcopal Church, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Highland Park Presbyterian Church. 

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 to 8:30 pm in the Undercroft. Enjoy music, spoken word performance, conversation and refreshments. RSVP to perform by emailing Buzz Hunter or calling the church office (708.366.7730).  

September 17, from 11 am to 2 pm, St. Paul's, De Kalb will host its Thrive Farmers Market. 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).
 
Aestas Consort performs at St. Chrysostom's Saturday, September 17 at 7:30 pm. The program features 20th century French choral masterworks including Duruflé and Fauré. Tickets are $20 ($10 students/seniors). Learn more.
 
St. Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church will host its "Fall Fest" Saturday, September, 24 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Enjoy barbecued ribs, chicken, fish boil; a raffle and bake sale.

St. Andrew Episcopal Church, Grayslake will be holding a Blessing of the Animals on Sunday October 2 from 2 to 3 pm.

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
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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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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