Bishop Miller and members of Diocese of Newala

Bishop Miller, Paula Harris, Miranda Hassett, Oswald  Bwechwa, and David Pfaff returned last Monday night from their two-week relation-building trip to our new companion diocese, the Diocese of Newala, in the Anglican Church of Tanzania.  Over the course of twelve days, they were given a thorough introduction to the people, clergy, and landscape of the diocese, and a good sense of the challenges and opportunities faced by our brothers and sisters there.  Bishop Miller is preparing a letter to our diocese about the trip, and about ways in which we can deepen our companion relationship on every level.  That will be followed by a series of reflections by each member of the group about a different aspect of the experience.  These will be posted on the diocesan website, and links will be included in the E-NEWS.  

Countryside scene in the Diocese of Newala

The experience was a powerful one for all involved.  The group is very grateful for the prayers that were offered for their trip, and ask for the continued prayers of our diocese for the people of the Diocese of Newala.

We have many more still photos and video footage to be edited and distributed across our diocese via E-NEWS and other venues.

Madison-Area Julian Gathering

Wednesday, August 14, 7:15 - 9:00 PM

St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church

6205 University Avenue

Madison, WI 53705

Julian of Norwich was a 15th Century English mystic and anchoress.  [What's an anchoress?  In the Middle Ages, certain women and men chose to live a life intensely devoted to prayer permanently enclosed in a small room, called an anchorhold, attached to a parish church.] Little is known about Julian's life, but she wrote a book, as far as we know the first in English written by a woman, about a series of revelations which opened her to the depths of God's unconditional love for us in Jesus Christ.  Nearly forgotten for 600 years, Julian's insights and gentle wisdom are becoming ever more widely known and appreciated.  Thomas Merton called her "the greatest theologian for our time."

Julian prayed often in silence, and at a Julian Gathering we support each other in the practice of contemplative prayer and contemplative spirituality.  These gatherings are initiated and supported by the Order of Julian of Norwich (www.orderofjulian.org).  They are open to all who want to deepen their life of faith through the practice of contemplative prayer, for beginners as well as those already practicing.  Each meeting includes time for contemplative prayer, fellowship, and reading/discussion of Julian's book.  At the beginning of each meeting, brief instruction on the practice of contemplative prayer is offered as needed.   We meet the second Wednesday of each month from 7:15 to 9 PM.  For additional information, contact Susan Fiore at (608) 845-2413 or slfiore@mac.com.