General eNEWSLETTER

September 14, 2016

Diocesan News

Holy Land Pilgrimage with Bishop Lee
and Dean Barrington

May 2017


	Bishop Lee in the Old City of Jerusalem in 2011

In early September, Bishop Jeffrey D. Lee announced that he and the Very Rev. Dominic Barrington, dean of St. James Cathedral, will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from May 9-20, 2017. The trip will include visits to the Sea of Galilee, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and other sites of Jesus' earthly ministry.

"Our journey will take us to the places where our faith was born, including places that scholars and pilgrims believe Jesus was born, preached, died, and appeared again to his disciples," wrote Bishop Lee in a letter about the pilgrimage. "Along the way, we will meet with Christian, Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters who live, work and worship in areas steeped in shared tradition, history and complex contemporary realities. A trip of this kind can change you and your life of faith. You will never hear the Bible in same way again."

The cost of the trip is $4249, which includes airfare from Chicago to Tel Aviv, accommodations, meals, transportation, and other fees. A deposit of $500 is due by October 31. Download a brochure and talk with Dean Barrington via email or at 312.622.6808 to learn more.

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."

Saturday, September 24, 8:30-10:30 am, Grace Episcopal Church, Hinsdale
Saturday, October 22, 8:30-10:30 am, Nuestra Senora, Waukegan (Spanish translation available)
Saturday, December 3, 8:30-10:30 am, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Chicago

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.

Learn more about the retreat leaders and speakers online. For questions please contact Beth Petti.

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.

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.

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.

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: Nominations and Resolutions are due.

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.

Fall Publication Schedule

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.

Learning 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 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 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

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.

Learn more and register.

Centering Prayer Workshop

October 15 in Lisle

On October 15, Contemplative Outreach Chicago 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.

News for Youth Ministry

Youth are Busy! Now What?

Youth Ministry Network meeting September 22

The focus of our first Youth Ministry Network discussion will be "Youth are busy! So now what?" Leah Romanelli from Christ Church, Winnetka will share some of her thoughts and experiences working with youth and families that have very busy schedules and her strategies for dealing with these challenges. And we'll all have a chance to share our own experiences as we connect with colleagues and share resources for youth ministry.

This meeting is open to adult youth leaders, both paid and volunteer, and will be held at St. James Commons (65 E Huron St., Chicago) September 22 from 11 am to 1 pm. If you can't attend in person, please join by conference call (1-408-638-0968. Meeting ID: 569 985 662). Or join via internet video conference from your laptop or computer. Please RSVP to Chad by September 19 if you are attending in person, and we'll provide lunch. Read more News for Youth Ministry.

Congregation and Community News

St. John's 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 categories of art, food, or crafts/toys/home goods. Artists can also offer an activity. Learn more and apply by September 22.

Around the Diocese

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 in Chicago on Saturday, September 17 at 7:30 pm. The program inspired by divine love and mercy features Durufl� and Faur�. Tickets are $20 ($12 for students/seniors). Learn more.

St. James Cathedral will host the inaugural recital by Stephen Buzard, director of music, on Sunday, September 18 at 4 pm. Buzard will perform music of J. S. Bach, Maurice Durufl�, and previous St. James organists Dudley Buck and Leo Sowerby. A reception will follow and childcare will be provided. 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.

Christ Episcopal Church in River Forest will host a Pet Blessing
on the front lawn (weather permitting, inside if weather is bad) Saturday, October 1 at 10 am. Treats for pets and their owners will be provided, all are welcome.

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

St. Augustine Episcopal Church in Wilmette invites the diocese to a recital October 2nd at 3 pm celebrating the restoration of its harpsichord. Bishop Lee will offer a blessing and both he and the instrument's restorer, Mark Shuldiner, will perform solo works. A festive reception will follow. Contact Zakary Siler for more information.

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.

Christ Episcopal Church in River Forest will hold its annual Holiday Hospitality Church Bazaar Saturday, November 12 from 9 am - 2 pm. Jewelry, crafts, and homemade foods including EpiscoPickles will be available for purchase.

Job Openings

New this week: Director of Children's Education at St. Elisabeth's, Glencoe. Visit the website for a full list of clergy openings and lay employee openings.

Save the Dates

View the website homepage for a listing of upcoming 2016 diocesan events including: