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 |
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 2013 | |
For more information go to http://www.diomil.org/ministries/christian-formation/camp-webb/
Intersted in being on staff?
2013 Staff Applications are available. See website link above.
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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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| Formation Around the Nation.... |
 This month I want to share with you about Christian Formation events happening in our own parishes and backyards as well as around our nation. Great opportunities - I hope you'll take a look, share with others, and dive into what interests you!
Reminder: May Christian Formation ENews deadline is May 7th and the deadline for the June/July issue is June 7th!
1) At Kanuga, June 10-14th Chrisitan Formation Conference: HOLY MISCHIEF-Christian Formation for What is Next! Guest Speakers: Shane Claiborne and Matthew Moretz. www.kanuga.org to register.
2) "Sowing Seeds & Bearing Fruit" A Weekend for Adults-Who-Work-With-Youth
Friday, June 28 - Sunday, June 30, 2013 at Waycross Conference Center, Starts Friday, 6:30 pm with dinner and ends Sunday after lunch.
Come for a weekend of sharing and networking with others who nuture, minister to and with young people. Tracey E. Herzer, Executive Director of LeaderResources, and the Rev. Anne Thornberg will engage and motivate us with fresh ideas. During plenary sessions, workshops and worship, you will find inspiration for growing and sustaining parish youth ministry.
Tracey E. Herzer is from Leader Resources. Some of you will remember Tracey when she was with us last year for the J2A training weekend.
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| Commission On Ministry: Important Dates |
Please note the following important dates set by the Commission on Ministry for anybody in ministry discernment, the ordination process, or anybody considering a move in that direction.
Monday April 29th, 10am-2pm: Ordination Interviews with COM and Standing Committee, St. Mary's Dousman
Thursday May 23rd, 5-8:30 pm: Candidacy Interviews with COM and Standing Committee, St. Mary's Dousman
Thursday, September 5th, 7-9 pm: Informational Meeting for those initially inquiring about discernment, St. Dunstan's Middleton OR Trinity Wauwatosa. Please go to whichever meeting location is closest.
Thursday, October 3rd, 7-9 pm: Parish Ministry Discernment Committee (PMDC) training, St. Dunstan's, Middleton OR Trinity Wauwatosa. Please go to whichever meeting location is closest.
[October 18th: This is the Friday before Diocesan Convention and tentatively set for anybody requiring an interview who is on track for a December diaconal ordination. This meeting date with both COM and Standing Commitee (SC) will be in Milwaukee.]
Friday-Saturday, November 8-9, 6pm Friday through 3 pm Saturday: Ministry Discernment Weekend(MDW) & Postulancy Interviews. Location TBA, but will be in the general Madison area.
Please consult the Discernment Manual on the diocesan website for all information pertaining to the ordination process, paying particular attention to the pertinent checklists. Most of your questions can be answered there. All paperwork and deadlines are the responsibility of the person in process, not the COM or SC. Please keep copies of all paperwork and materials submitted to Nicholson House. In order to facilitate our planning, please email COM President if you plan on attending the informational meeting or other events. If you have any further questions, please email Fr. Scott Seefeldt at skotallen@yahoo.com.
The Rev'd Scott Allen Seefeldt
Rector
Trinity Episcopal Church
111 Sixth Street
Baraboo, WI 53913
608.356.3620
608.477.3154 (Mobile)
www.trinitybaraboo.org |
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Women's Retreat Materials Now on Website | |
 PRAYING AS THOUGH YOUR LIFE DEPENDED ON IT...
...BECAUSE IT DOES!
This retreat was video taped. The videos and study guides are being posted up on the diocesan website for indiviuals or small groups to use as a study on Pryaer.
http://www.diomil.org/ministries/christian-formation/womens-retreat-on-prayer/ |
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Vacation Bible School Announcements: | |
 VBS @ St. Thomas of Canterbury....
...The Adventure Begins
Monday, June 24, 2013 through Thursday, June 27, 2013
Be part of the safari crew as we celebrate and worship God through song, play and praise! Children from other parishes are as welcome as those from St. Thomas of Canterbury! Questions? Contact Gayle Radavich at gradavich@hotmail.com or 414-418-4717
To register children, contact:
Vacation Bible School at
St. Thomas of Canterbury
414-421-0130
7255 W. Grange Ave
www.stocchchurch.com
Greendale, WI 53129 |
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VORTEX! @ St. Boniface, Mequon | |
What is Vortex?
Vortex is a weekend for eighth grade students on up that is led by youth, with the help of adults, for youth. During this once-in-a-lifetime weekend long experience, participants examine and explore their relationship with God and each other through singing, discussions, and mini homilies from people who have experienced the weekend themselves. This is unforgettable, life-changing event is full of new friendships and discoveries.
How much does this cost?
The weekend is $40 a person which covers food for the weekend, a t-shirt, and bible. Scholarships are available if needed.
When and where?
Vortex is taking place at St. Boniface Episcopal Church in Mequon, WI (3906 W Mequon Rd Mequon, WI 53092). Registration begins at 7pm on May 17 (please eat ahead of time). The weekend will end on Sunday afternoon with a closing Eucharist at around 2:00pm. Participants must attend the entire event. Family and friends are welcome to come to the closing Eucharist.
What to bring:
-Sleeping bag and pillow (we'll be sleeping on the floor so feel free to bring an air mattress or sleeping pad)
What not to bring:
-Electronics, pets, illegal drugs, weapons, alcohol, cigarettes, cell phones
Call St. Boniface 262.242.2994 |
| Diocesan Mission Trip to Irvine Kentucky, Appalachian Missions | |
Diocesan Mission Trip to Irvine, KentuckyAppalachian Ministries,
June 30-July 6, 2013 Cost: $375.00
Mission Team Meeting - Wednesday, April 24th, 7PM
@ ST. Thomas of Canterbury, Greendale
Bring your Emergency Information Forms with copies of Insurance Cards and your first deposit. |
| CAMP WEBB: OPEN HOUSE! | |
Camp Webb 2013: Living the Adventure with Living Compass
Summer Camp is just around the corner!
Camp Webb 2013will be held June 16th-21st for all age groups at Lutherdale Camp, Elkhorn, WI
N7891US Highway 12, Elkhorn, WI
CAMP WEBB OPEN HOUSE!
Saturday, June 1st 10am-2pm FREE!
Come and play, swim, get a lunch in the Camp Cafeteria - it's going to be a great day!
Camper Registration Here
NEW Camp Staff Application Here
RETURNING Camp Staff Application Here |
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Awesome New Read! | |
Firsthand
by Ryan & Josh Shook
"Join us on a journey to find a faith of your own. A faith that isn't your parents' or your youth pastor's or your church's. Start from scratch, question everything...
and get hold of a fiath tht's real. We call it firsthand faith."
Even if you're not a 20something, this book is a fantastic read. Rediscover your own faith in these short 8 chapters. At the end of each chapter there are available thoughts for Making Faith Real, Things to Think about, and Try This offerings. Book could also be read in a small group study.
Written Offering by Paul Citerony "Reaching Out - A Health Ministry in Our Church?"
An obvious reason why adopting a health ministry by a local church makes sense is because a local church is or should be, the community's main evangelizing entity. The local congregation preaches, teaches and witnesses about the compassion of God, - a merciful God that esteems mercy shown by all. It's the local congregation in conjunction with a health ministry which can better receive converts into its fellowship and is best equipped to support new believers.
To read the full article go to http://www.diomil.org/newsevents/articles/reaching-out-a-church-health-ministry/ |
| Childrens' Worship Bulletins - Free - but You need PASSWORD to Downlo | |
Children's Worship Bulletins - now FREE to all our diocesan parishes!
Lectionary Based, offered in black & white or color bulletins, for ages 2-6 and 7-12, all three lessons available each week.
However, because the bulletins are copyrighted material we cannot continue to post openly on our website. When you go to the website and go to the Children page - you'll see a link for Children's Worship Bulletins. Click this link, a blank page will open and ask for your Log In.
The Log In: Username: CFCWB Password: bulletins
The bulletins are currently Posted for the Season of Easter.
On May 14, the bulletins for Pentacost Sunday and the first part fo the Season After Pentacost will be posted. |
| Deacons' School for Formation - Fall 2013 | |
Deacons' School for Formation OPENS
September 13, 2013
Changes to the New School include:
- New Time and Place for Meeting
- New Emphasis on the Practice of Ministry
- Ordained Deacons may return for continuing education and formation
One weekend a month (10 months) September thru June the School for Formation meets. Weekends begin on Friday evenings at 8:30PM and end Sunday afternoon at 4:00PM. All weekends held at the DeKoven Center, Racine. All postulants for Holy Orders to the Diaconal Ministry may begin this September. A new emphasis in the school is on the practicum of ministry in all academic areas. Deacons may come for continuing education and formation, for part of the weekend, for one class, or for the full weekends. Continuing education is on an "a la carte" payment plan. Due to the cost of staying overnights and meals, tuition for postulants has increased considerably. If a parish or individual would like to sponsor or send financial aid for our students your gift would be most appreciated. You may send a check to the Diocese of Milwaukee, c/o Deacon's School for Formation, 804 E. Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202, Memo Line: Deacon School. More information may be found on the diocesan website, www.diomil.org . Thank you to those who have sent contributions! |
| Safeguarding God's Children & Safeguarding God's People In-Class Trainings and On-line | |
Safeguarding God's Children
Our classes this Winter 2013 have been full.
St. Thomas of Canterbury, Greendale and Christ Church, Whitefish Bay are currently planning to host classes. Please watch the website for these May/June dates.
SGC is also available for renewal of certificate on-line!
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. |
| 21st Century Formation in our Digital World - coming to Milwaukee July 23-25th. |
Please NOTE Change of Date - July Dates are correct.
We have several churches sending folks to this event! You can join the Diocese of Milwaukee group when you register and get the discounted rate. Go to http://vibrantfaith.org/faith-formation-training.html to register!
The Very Rev'd. Kevin Carroll, Dean of All Saints' Catherdral and The Rev. Carla McCook, Bishop's Assistant for Christian Formation attended this conference this past February in Denver, Colorado.
Two persons who spoke very little "Geek" and were immigrants to the internet and social media returned ON FIRE about use of the internet, website, networking and social media for spreading the Gospel message.
We learned ways to connect with every generation present today - and that's 9 decades of people we're trying to reach in the world today.
We learned how to set up our own website for FREE! We learned how to use multiple social media sites to send out and connect people with formation content/Church teachings/mission and ministry.
If you can go you don't want to miss John Robertson coming to our area! I promise you won't be disappointed! |
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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