NEWS FOR CLERGY & LAY LEADERS  

September 21, 2016 
 Diocesan News and Events 
Bishop Lee's 2017 Visitation Schedule
 
Bishop Lee's 2017 schedule of visits to congregations is now posted on the website. If it becomes necessary for a congregation to change its assigned visitation date, the clergy leader is asked to find a congregation willing to swap dates and then be in touch with Anne Cothran to confirm that the new dates will work with other obligations on Bishop Lee's schedule.

There are two diocesan-wide liturgies for confirmation and reception in the Spring of 2017 and any of our congregations are invited to present candidates at one of these services.
Pet Blessings Begin!
Please send us your dates and photos  

It's that time of year when pets, large and small, are welcomed into Episcopal churches to receive blessings inspired by St. Francis of Assisi.

This year, we'd love to know when you're holding your Blessing of the Animals so we can share the dates on social media. Email Jen Boyle-Tucker with the time, date, place and other details. And while you're posting pet blessing photos, please be sure to use the hashtag #episcopalchicago.
 
The Abundant Life Garden Project, which includes prayers, activities, and other liturgical materials, is available online from Episcopal Relief & Development.
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." 
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.
Peace and Justice Committee Fall Meeting
Wednesday, September 28
 
The Peace and Justice Committee of the Diocese of Chicago will meet Wednesday, September 28 at 7 pm. Included on the agenda are resolutions for the 2016 Diocesan Convention. Learn more.
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.
Digital Ministry Workshop
November 5 at St. James Commons 
 
Join the Diocese of Chicago for a one-day Digital Ministry Workshop led by Randall Curtis. Participants will learn how to communicate their church's message through websites and social media; how to use Google tools; and how to effectively use Facebook. Curtis is ministry developer for youth and young adults for the Diocese of Arkansas and a digital consultant and blogger. Please note: workshop content will be applicable to all types of ministries, not just youth ministry.

The workshop will be held November 5 at St. James Commons from 9 am to 4 pm and is open to all lay leaders and clergy. Please register online and contact Chad Senuta with questions.
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
Upcoming Celebrations of New Ministry

Please save the dates for the following Celebrations of New Ministry. More details will be provided as available.   
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
 
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.
  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.
First Round of Deadlines Coming September 30

We're less than 10 days away from our first round of deadlines for Diocesan Convention:
  • 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.

Convention 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 customized emergency plan. Each house of worship may register up to six participants.Learn more and view the workshop schedule and kickoff webinar.
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 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 property in a lawsuit, and reflections on the Goliath story. 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. 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.
 Job Openings
New this week: Communications Assistant for Annunciation of Our Lady Church in Gurnee. 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: 

  • Hispanic Liturgy at St. James Cathedral October 15
  • 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.