supporting congregations
creating disciples
building community
nurturing growth
Please forward this on to any and all you you think might be interested, including teachers, volunteers, parishioners, vestry, lay leaders and friends! |
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| Upcoming Events |
Family Fun Saturdays
January 19, 2013 9am-3pm
Zion, Oconomowoc
& February 16, 2013 9am-3pm St. Dunstan's, Madison
Women's Lenten Retreat
Saturday, March 9th
Redemptorist Retreat Center, Oconomowoc
9am-3pm
Camp Webb
Open House, June 2, 2013 10am-2pm
Camp Webb Camp Week
June 16-21, 2013
Summer Mission Trip
June 30-July 6
Irvine, Kentucky
St. Timothy's Episcopal Church and Appalachian Ministries
All Soul's Youth Event
Nov 2-3, 2014 at Zion, Oconomowoc |
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Camp Webb 2012 & 2013 | |
For more information go to www.campwebb.org.
Intersted in being on staff?
2013 Staff Applications will be available Jan 2013!
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| Resource Center | |
If you are looking for ideas, curricula, books or videos, please visit our Resource Center which is located at 804 E Juneau Ave, Milwaukee.
If you would like more information or if you would like to check out any materials, please let us know! Rev. Carla McCook is the Resource Center Coordinator and you can find her at mccook@diomil.org .
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Find us on Facebook!
Visit us on the web at |
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| Hospitality Center: Season to Celebrate |
 Hospitality Center to be featured in Ch.12 Christmas SpecialThe Hospitality Center (Racine) will be a highlighted in WISN Channel 12's "Season to Celebrate" program. This Christmas Special ,now in its 11th year, is one of the nation's Top Ten Christmas Specials. Channel 12's Sally Severson spent Thursday, December 6th at the Hospitality Center, which is located at St. Luke's, Racine, talking to people and she will present an interview with three guests on the special. You can see Season to Celebrate on channel 12 which will air on Dec. 13th at 7 p.m. with an encore presentation on Christmas Eve at 11 p.m. and at 11 a.m. on Christmas Day. Thank you, Channel 12, for helping us share the ministry of theHospitality Center with the wider community!
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| Famiy FUN Day presented by Diocesan Christian Formation |
All Kinds of Family FUN Saturday!
Fun and family time for Parents, Grandparents, Teens and Children - Any ages, size, or shape of family! Take this day to spend some quality family time together, learn together, play, eat and make lasting memories together!
TWO OPPORTUNITIES TO ATTEND:
Sat, Jan 19, 2013 9AM-3PM or Sat, Feb 16, 2013 9AM-3PM
Zion, Oconomowoc, 135 Rockwell Place St. Dunstan's, Madison, 6205 Oconomowoc, WI, 53066 University Ave, Madison,
WI, 53705
Register on-line at:
http://dioceseofmilwaukee.wufoo.com/forms/family-fun-day/
"Spend a day exploring how to live out our faith in one of the most familiar and most challenging contexts: our family life. During the day, kids, youth, and parents will explore central themes as separate groups; then come together as families to eat, share, play and create.
In the morning session, we'll explore the voices we use in our household: How do we talk to each other? How well are we connected? Who gets a say? How well do we listen? In the afternoon session, we'll look at the concept of "discipline" and how it relates to "discipleship" - everyone in our family is learning and growing; how can we do it together, in love?
We hope you'll end the day with some new tools and new ideas for daily life!"
Sample schedule:
9am - Gathering together
Family Puzzlers
Break-Out Session one: Parents' Group, TEENS' Group, and Kids' Group
Family Style Lunch
Family Craft - creating a conversation starter
Family play time - bring your winter gear to play in the snow
Break-Out Session two: Parents' Group, TEENS' Group, and Kids' Group
Closing Gathering
Each day is limited to ten (10) families. Register early! Registration begins November 30, 2012. Registration for January date is due by Jan. 7th. Registration for February date is due by Feb. 4th. Registrations will close when the event date is full, so early registration is encouraged.
Register on-line at:
http://dioceseofmilwaukee.wufoo.com/forms/family-fun-day/.
Cost is $10 per person or $33.75 per family.
Send check, payable to Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee, to 804 E Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202, Attn: Rev. Carla McCook. All checks due one week prior to event date.
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| CAMP WEBB: A Special Gift for Christmas! | |
Camp Webb 2013: Living the Adventure with Living Compass
June 16-21, 2013 $375 early bird registration
GIVE CAMP for CHRISTMAS! 
This summer join the adventure at Camp Webb! All campers, ages entering 2nd grade through 12th grade can attend this exciting week of outdoor diocesan ministry. We will be on adventure quests with maps and compass to discover the treasure we have in Christ: Our Strength, Our Minds, Our Hearts and Our Souls. {"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, with all your mind and all your being; and love your neighbor as yourself." Paraphrase from Deuteronomy 30:6 & Luke 10:27}. YOU can give Camp for Christmas! You can send you money to send a grandchild or a child from your congregation or simply give so that we can give scholarships to kids who need help to get to camp. Send you checks, payable to the Diocese of Milwaukee, to 804 E Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202, Attn: Camp Webb. Early Registration for Camp begins Dec 1, 2012 at http://www.diomil.org/christian-formation.
Here is what a former Camper Staffer had to say about her time at camp:
"What did camp mean to me? The answer is everything. Camp Webb has been part of my life for a very long time and I could not imagine my life without it. Yes, I am a cradle Episcopalian and went to church every Sunday with my family, but camp is really where my faith grew. It was a place where everything else in the world seemed to disappear. You went into the 'camp bubble'. For a week every summer it was just me and God... and an amazing group of friends who will be my friends for life. I sometimes wish I could go back into that bubble. I know I can't, but I will always look back at those weeks at Camp Webb as some of the best times of my life."
Jessica, age29, former camper and counselor
I met Jessica about 5 years ago at a women's retreat. I was truly impressed with this wonderful, well-grounded young woman, who has such a joyful delight at being a "Camp Webber." For her, camp is not just a physical place but a spiritual place that she carries with her, everywhere she goes.
The relationships that were built during her years of attending Camp Webb are as strong and deep as any foundation a parent could wish for. I know because I have talked to her mom, as well. Jessica's mom, Linda, is firm in her belief that attending camp was one of the best possible gifts given to her children and that gift (given almost 20 years ago) is still being used today and every day. Linda also credits Camp Webb for solidifying Jessica and her brother's faith. Talk about an incredible return on investment!
I recently read an article about what camps offer children. The benefits reaped? How about resiliency, self-control, a safe place to try new things, a sense of belonging, and a sense of culture?
Want to know more about the benefits of camp? Please click on the following link: http://www.acacamps.org/campmag/1209/camps-help-make-children-resilientand then click on this link to see what Camp Webb can do for you and your child or grandchild.
It's one of the best investments you can possibly make.
Camp Webb Associate, Lori Masset |
| Carla's Corner: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! | |
Praise for God's Care
Praise the Lord!
How good it is to sing praises to our God;
for he is gracious, and a song of praise is
fitting.
The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
He heals the broken hearted, and binds
up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars;
and gives them all their names.
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
The Lord lifts up the downtrodden;
he casts the wicked to the ground.
Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre.
He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth,
makes grass grow on the hills.
He gives to the animals their food,
and to the young ravens when they cry.
His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner,
but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.
Psalm 147:1-11 |
Community of Hope Training
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Sign up now!
A new session of the Community of Hope training program for lay pastoral caregivers will begin on February 3rd at St. Bartholomew Church in Pewaukee. The 12-week training session includes an annual retreat and continued support for caregivers. Winter/spring classes will be held on Sunday afternoons (1:30 to 3:30).
For more information about Community of call Barb Lentz at St. Bartholomew Church. 262-691-0836 |
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What's New in the Resource Center | |
Resource Center Needs Volunteers!
We are currently taking names for volunteers able and willing to be semi-librarians at the Diocesan Resource Center. The R.C. is located at Nicholson House, diocesan offices, 804 E Juneau Ave, Milwaukee. Volunteers are currently needed to assist in updating the R.C. database listing, sending out requested materials and checking in returned materials. If you are interested please contact Rev. Carla McCook (mccook@diomil.org) or call the diocesan offices.
New Items in the Resource Center:
- Book of Faith Lenten Journey: Beyond Question
Jesus asks questions throughout the Gospels. These are not easy questions with easy answers. They are transformative questions that challenge us, reposition us, change us and draw us into deeper faith and dicipleship:
What are you looking for?
Where is your faith?
Who do you say that I am?
What do you want me to do for you?
Do you love me?
How will you believe what I say?
Whom are you looking for?
This book is a guide to exploring these and other questions from Jesus. Take this forty-day journey on your own or with a freind, small group, or congregation.
2. The God We Never Knew: Beyond Dogmatic Religion to a More Authentic Contemporary Faith
Marcus Borg leads the reader from the distant, authoritative divinity of our childhood to an equally powerful, dynamic adult understanding of God. Tracing his own spiritual journey, he reveals how to embrace a fresh, authentic view of God that is fully compatible with good science, critical thinking, and religious pluralism - a view that promotes a much healthier and more vital life of faith today. |
| Childrens' Worship Bulletins - "A Bulletin Update!" | |
 Need a Volunteer for our Childrens' Worship Bulletins!
Due to time consuming family obligations that are beyond my control, I will not be able to produce the Children and Youth Formation Bulletins for The Milwaukee Diocese after December 30, 2012.
If there is anyone in the Diocese that wants to take over where I left off, I would be happy to share all my sources, ideas and basic bulletin formats.
I pray that the bulletins for 2012 have opened the door to the Gospel for our children. I hope that someone can continue the process.
Please feel free to e-mail me if you are interested in taking over this important ministry. Our children are part of our church families, and need to feel included and important.
Blessings & Peace
Robyn Lebron
FathersBride@msn.com
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| Fit for the Diocese! | |
FIT for the Diocese!
Does your parish have questions in regards to the operational end of finances? Would it aid you if there was a resource committee at the Diocesan level you could go to with questions on finance? Well we can provide the FIT (Financial Information Team).
This new diocesan committee, which shall be referred to as FIT, has been formed. Committee members are: Diocesan staff members; Diane Blank, Financial Officer, Peggy Bean, Assistant to the Bishop, Clergy; Michael Caldwell, Zion Episcopal Church, Oconomowoc and Parish Treasurers; Jim Knaak, St. James, West Bend and Tammy Wyman, St. Thomas of Canterbury, Greendale.
This committee has just begun to explore what our responsibility will be but can tell you that we are here to help treasurers; vestry and clergy understand the financial piece of congregational life. This not only includes making sure everyone understands how to read financial reports but the technology available to produce those reports. We also want to be a resource you can go to when you need assistance in regards to financial operations (job descriptions, procedures, forms, software, etc). We even see ourselves coming out to your parish to provide whatever kind of assistance you may need.
We look forward to being your FIT and will provide more information as it becomes available. Questions can be directed to the convener of the committee, Tammy Wyman. Tammy can be reached at 414-581-2987 or via e-mail at |
| Safeguarding God's Children & Safeguarding God's People In-Class Trainings and On-line | |
Safeguarding God's Children
For the latest information on Safeguarding God's Children
and to register for a training, please click here
NOW SCHEDULING FOR JAN-MAY 2013
If you would like to schedule a training in your parish or if you have a number of people who need to be trained, please let me know so that we can schedule an event at your church or in your area.
SGC is also available for renewal of certificate on-line! Contact Rev. Carla McCook directly to register, include your full name, date of birth (mm/dd), parish and parish city. (mccook@diomil.org)
Please make note of all who are required to have certified SGC training : clergy, vestry, Vacation Bible School Teachers and Volunteers, Youth Group Leaders and Volunteers, Sunday School Teachers, Church Staff, and those going on trips with youth. SAFEGUARDING GOD'S PEOPLE is now on-line! This is mandatory for all cleargy, vestry, Lay Eucharistic Visitors, church staff and volunteers who work with adults. On-line is the only way to take this SafeGuarding portion. Contact Rev. Carla McCook directly to register, include your full name, date of birth (mm/dd), parish and parish city. ( mccook@diomil.org). |
Websites, Facebook and Twitter. OH MY!
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In today's social media age we at the diocesan office are trying to be more social media savvy. The Diocese is in the process of developing a new website which is schedule to go "live" November 2012. Christian Formation is excited that we are already using Facebook and Twitter to get the Formation Message out!
Please like our Facebook page 
and our Twitter feed is here: 
These medias not only provide us a place to talk about what is happening in the Christian Formation office but it also gives us a space to give you many new resources that are not talked about in our e-News.
Follow or Like us today!
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| Send your articles into the Christian Formation E-News |
If you have formation news, events, or resources that you  think would be of interest to the Diocese at large and that you would like to see in this electronic publication, please do not hesitate to email Carla at mccook@diomil.org . ALL ARTICLES MUST BE IN NO LATER THAN THE 7TH OF EVERY MONTH. Thank you for your ministry, for your commitment to Christian Formation, and for sharing your gifts with the church. |
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Christian Formation Staff | 
Rev. Carla McCook is the Bishop's Assistant for Christian Formation. She works in conjunction with clergy, laity, parishes and convocations to create, promote, sustain and formation and education. Her mission is to resource, equip and empower formation leaders of all ages throughout our diocese. Diocesan Christian Formation has oversight for Resource Center, Safeguarding God's Children & People, Education for Ministry, Camp Webb and Outdoor Ministries, Life Long Christian Formation Commission, Youth & Family Commission, Youth@Convention, teaching & preaching around the diocese. She is available to lead a teaching series or preach on request. She is passionate about partnering with you for Christian Formation. She is available at McCook@diomil.org or (414)272-3028 ext 116.
 The Rev. REGS Scheeler has been a deacon of this diocese of many years, serving us in many different ways. Throughout his time, his passion and focus on formation and education for youth and their leaders has not changed. REGS is a non-stipendiary staff person who is available to help congregations move through transition, assist them in discernment or challenge them as they move forward. He can make visits on Sundays and some weekdays. If you think a visit from him would be of use to you, don't hesitate to call and discover the ways in which he might help your parish. He is also assisting with other formation events throughout the year. He has a gift and call for cooking ministry which we try to incorporate into all he does. He can be reached at dnregs@wi.rr.com or (262)827-9378. |
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The Rev. Carla McCook Bishop's Assistant for Christian Formation The Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee McCook@diomil.orgBishop's Deacon for Christian Formation
The Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee
414-378-7390
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