The Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee

 

 
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E-NEWS

August 16, 2013

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E-NEWS

 
 
In This Issue
Safeguarding God's Children...& Safeguarding God's People
Plan to reduce debt in three parishes outlined by Bishop Miller.
Newala Reflections by The Rev. Dr. Miranda Hassett
St. Paul's Church 175th Anniversary "Homecoming Sunday"
St. James, West Bend and St. Aidan's, Hartford do mission!
Please collect sundries for St. James' to distribute to Milwaukee's homeless
Vestments / clergy shirts needed for Newala's new priests and deacons
The clock is ticking . . . ....Diocesan Convention deadlines are approaching
Diocesan Convention takes place October 19
HELP WANTED: Musician (PT) needed at St. John's Northwestern Military Academy.
You are invited to attend the next Madison area Julian Gathering
The Ordination of a Priest
PARISH EVENTS
Celebration of Ministr at St. Francis House, Madison
Women of Diocese invited to Fall Retreat sponsored by Daughters of the King
Interfaith Day at Miller Park...Tuesday, August 20, 2013...7:10 PM
Debt reduction workshop for parishes
 
Safeguarding God's Children
& Safeguarding God's People
sgclogo
Safeguarding God's Children and People classes and online training will resume in August.  Please note there will be no registrations for online courses in July. 

You can always visit the diocesan website, www.diomil.org   to view Master List of Attendees, and to find out who's required to take these trainings, and more information.

Parishes may always contact IntelliCorp to proceed with Background Checks.

For all of their products and services available Call: 800-539-3717 or  

[email protected]    

 
 

Welcome to E-NEWS, the diocese of Milwaukee's weekly electronic newsletter.   If you are not already a subscriber or wish to add or change e-mail addresses, please click on the "Join Our Mailing List" icon.   We invite you to send articles, photos, and news to [email protected] so that we may include them in the E-NEWS. Thank you!

 
Barbara Klauber, Editor
Plan to reduce debt in three parishes outlined by Bishop Miller

(note:  last week this letter was communicated to parish clergy and parish treasurers)

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace to you and peace, in the Name of God whose very being is abundance.

I write you about a bold and exciting step forward for our diocese. The members of the Executive Council join me in believing that the debt reduction plan that has been adopted will prove fruitful, now and in the future. Under the plan, three congregations, St. Aidan's in Hartford, St. Bartholomew's in Pewaukee, and Good Shepherd in Sun Prairie, will be offered the opportunity to eliminate their debt through matching programs from the Diocese. In return, starting in 2015, the parish aid that they have been receiving will be re-directed to reduce assessments for all parishes.  

Whether from personal experience, or through the experiences of others, each of us knows how crippling financial debt can be. In a family context, the strain that a dangerous level of debt can place is felt not only financially, but in every aspect of life, emotional, physical, and spiritual. The scriptures tell us that the earliest Christian communities pooled their resources and took special care of the widowed and orphaned. Deep in the Hebrew tradition is the concept of 'jubilee'-a time when debts are forgiven, and an even playing field is established once more. 

Newala Reflections by The Rev. Dr. Miranda Hassett
Newala fellowship: as mentioned in story, even the cows were introduced.

One month ago today, as of this writing, I was touring the Diocese of Newala - cozy in the tiny third-row seat of the big hardy Toyota, while Bishop Oscar Mnung'a drove his five American guests all over his diocese, to see his churches, meet his people, and receive the many gifts of song, dance, shared meals, live chickens and, once, a goat - and so many, many warm smiles. I am still writing up and sharing my journal entries from the trip - you can read what I've posted on our parish website; click the link for Rev. Miranda's Tanzania Trip on the main page, www.stdunstans.com. But I'm trying, too, to think about what I bring home and what my hopes are for this companion diocese relationship - this "diosisi rafiki" relationship, as Bishop Oscar calls it: "friend diocese"!

One very important feature of relationships like this, across so many differences of geography, culture, and circumstance, is reciprocity. Everyone involved in the partnership needs to feel that they have something to offer, something to share, as well as something to receive. It gives us dignity, makes us feel valued and fully part of the relationship, to know that we have something to contribute. What we share, how we collaborate, what we build together is still very much to be determined in this "diocisi rafiki" relationship. But I can already list some of the things I think we can learn and receive from our brothers and sisters in the Tanzanian church - qualities of mind, heart and spirit that could be true gifts to us in the American church. 

St. Paul's Church 175th Anniversary "Homecoming Sunday"

 

You and yours are invited! On Sunday, September 8, 2013, the people of St. Paul's Church, 914 E. Knapp, Milwaukee will host Homecoming Sunday as part of our year-long celebration of the Church's 175th Anniversary. We have a wonderful Eucharist planned at 10:15AM, with a special Festive Reception to follow in the Great Hall including collages of historical pictures and a new History of St. Paul's Church.

  • Were you a former Clergy person at St. Paul's?
  • Were you baptized at St. Paul's?
  • Were you confirmed at St. Paul's?
  • Were you married at St. Paul's?
  • Are you a present or former member of St. Paul's?
  • Have you participated in St. Paul's music program?*
  • Are you a former or present staff member of St. Paul's?

Whatever your past affiliation has been with St. Paul's Church we certainly hope you will want to be a part of this event!!!

 

*If you were a member of one of St. Paul's choirs and would like to take part in the service on September 8, please contact Tim Benson the Music Ministry Director at: [email protected] or St. Paul's Church 414-276-2677. He will supply you with music and you will be robed.

St. James, West Bend and St. Aidan's, Hartford do mission!
Five members from St. James and St. Aidan's participated in a joint mission trip August 4-10, 2014The group went to Grace House on the Mountain, near St. Paul, VA, a work camp sponsored by Episcopal Appalachian Ministries.    

The group worked on no less than six significant home improvement projects in the community, including rebuilding a deck, re-roofing three homes, repairing holes in people's floors and walls, redoing bathrooms, and many other projects. While none of us had significant construction experience going in, every one of us was able to participate and make a significant and noticeable impact on the lives of the families we served.

Please collect sundries for St. James' to distribute to Milwaukee's homeless
Please begin collecting sundries for St. James' Episcopal Church (Milwaukee ) to distribute to the homeless. The samples provided at hotels are perfect, but small-sized containers from grocery stores are also very valued. Items sought are shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sewing kits, laundry detergent, laundry soap, bath soap. There will be a container to collect these contributions at the registration table at Diocesan Convention. Thanks so much for contributing, and for helping our less-fortunate neighbors. 
Vestments / clergy shirts needed for Newala's new priests and deacons
 
Nine of the newly ordained clergy are pictured with visitors from the Diocese of Milwaukee 

Do you know of vestments or clergy shirts which are going unused?  The Bishop of Newala would gladly receive them for the dozen new priests and deacons (including the first African woman in his diocese!) whom he will ordain this winter.  Although cloth and tailoring is available, both cost money and so people cannot always obtain them.

Bring clergy shirts and vestments to the pre-convention hearings or to Diocesan Convention on October 19.  

Address questions to Paula Harris, Chairperson of Newala Companion Diocese Committee. at  [email protected] .

The clock is ticking . . . .
Diocesan Convention deadlines are approaching!

Nominations are due AUGUST 20th
Resolutions are due AUGUST 20th
Clergy & Lay Deputy Registrations are due October 7th
Visitor registrations are due October 7th
See following article or click here for more Convention info!
 
Clergy and Lay Deputies at the 2012 Diocesan Convention
Diocesan Convention takes place October 19th
This year's diocesan convention takes place October 19th at St. Paul's and All Saints' Cathedral in Milwaukee.  This one-day convention will conclude with a Eucharist and a garden party celebrating the Tenth Anniversary of Bishop Miller's consecration as Bishop of Milwaukee.  All members of the diocese are welcome to attend the Eucharist and Garden party.

Nominations are now being accepted for positions to be elected at Convention.  Nomination Forms must be received in the Diocesan Office by AUGUST 20th.  Resolutions are also due AUGUST 20th.  Registrations are due October 7th. 

Please see the website for full CONVENTION INFORMATION & FORMS
Christian Formation Director sought by Grace Church, Madison 
Grace Episcopal Church on Madison's Capitol Square is seeking a Christian Formation Director for our diverse congregation. Key elements of the position include: development and direction of educational programming for children and middle school students, recruitment and management of formation volunteers, youth engagement, and nursery oversight. Position is half-time. Compensation is $20,000 annually with benefits. Please express interest in the position to Terry Gibson at [email protected].  A full position description can be found in the right-hand column of Grace's homepage:  www.graceec.org .  
You are invited to attend the next Madison area Julian Gathering on September 11th  

Madison-Area Julian Gathering

Wednesday, September 11, 7:15 - 9:00 PM

St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church

6205 University Avenue

Madison, WI 53705

 

Julian's era was one of turmoil and crisis. Contemporary reports indicate that at least half the population of Norwich died from the Plague; the clergy and undertakers could not keep up with the dead bodies. Meanwhile, disease killed the cattle, and harvests failed. In 1381, when Julian was thirty-nine, people became so desperate they rose up in a revolt, looting the churches and monasteries.

 

During Julian's lifetime, John Wyclif was also preaching against the corruption in the Church; his translation of the Bible into the common language of English brought down on him papal accusations of heresy. Wyclif and his followers, the Lollards, believed God should be made directly available to ordinary people, without the intercession of the clergy. The clerical hierarchy was so incensed that the Bishop of Norwich received permission from Rome to execute any Lollards he captured. Wyclif's followers were burned alive in a pit less than a mile from Julian's cell.Meanwhile, the larger world beyond Norfolk and England was also in a state of upheaval. Five years before Julian was born, in 1337, the Hundred Years War between England and France had begun, and it would continue throughout her lifetime. The Great Schism split the Church in 1377, with one pope in France, the other in Rome.

 

And in the midst of all this, Julian came to believe unshakably that "all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well."

 

For more information, contact Susan Fiore at [email protected] or  

(608) 845-2413.

The Ordination of a Priest  
Note time change! 
 
God willing and the people of God consenting
The Right Reverend G. Porter Taylor,  
Bishop of Western North Carolina  
will ordain Elizabeth Tester to the  
Sacred Order of Priests in Christ's  
One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on

Saturday, the thirty-first of August  
Two Thousand Thirteen 
at 10 o'clock in the morning

St. Paul's Episcopal Church  
413 S 2nd Street  
Watertown, WI 53094

Your prayers and presence are requested 
Clergy: Red Stoles 
Reception following
___________________________________________
Note: Following her ordination, The Rev. Elizabeth Tester will serve as priest-in-charge of St. Paul's, Watertown. 
*PARISH NEWS & EVENTS 

      

Lotsa Loot Rummage & Bake Sale - Back and Better than ever at St. Luke's, Madison

St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 4011 Major Avenue in Madison, will again be hosting the best priced sale on the east side of Madison on Saturday, August 24, 2013, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  All items are very affordable, and include: furniture, linens/household, sporting goods, infant and children's clothing, toys, books, tapes, CDs, Christmas & other holiday items and collectibles.  New this year, a "Little Girl's Boutique" for the young shopper.  This is one sale you don't want to miss because "The price is right!!!" 

 

Tai Chi Exercises/Meditations

3rd Saturdays: July 20th, August 17th & September 21st (10:45-11:45 am) 

Christ Episcopal Church (262) 728-5292

503 E. Walworth Ave., Delavan.

What is Tai Chi? An ancient, holistic, peaceful, healing and meditation technique that involves slow, graceful movement with controlled breathing to focus the body and mind.

Tai Chi practitioners live longer, have a more active life, and their health potential increases dramatically. It can be an effective way to relieve stress, bring peace within, and release inner joy that can help bring you closer to God too.

Tai Chi is for all ages, men & women, it is practiced sitting or standing, whichever is most comfortable for you.We will be led by parish member, Marla Matranga, who teaches Tai Chi at The Abbey Resort in Fontana, Lake Lawn Resort, Delavan, and Four Lakes Athletic Club in Elkhorn.

These sessions are offered free of charge.A freewill offering can be given, which will go to Sojourner's Family Peace Center, Milwaukee, whose mission is to create peaceful communities in which domestic respect and a life free from violence is the right of every woman, man and child.

A babysitter can be provided, free of charge, with a 2 day advance notice. Call the Church Office to request a sitter

 

_____________________________________
*Please send info on events in YOUR parish that would be of interest to the wider diocese to  E-NEWS
 
You are invited to a Celebration of Ministry  
at St. Francis House, Madison Sept. 14-15

Women of Diocese invited to Fall Retreat sponsored by Daughters of the King

   

The women of the Diocese of Milwaukee are invited to the

Fall Retreat of The Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK)

Saturday, September 7 at Nashotah House

Registration is at 9:30-10:00 a.m. with complimentary coffee/tea/juice

and breakfast breads available.  

 

Speaker: The Rev. Paula Harris, Rector of St. Luke's, Madison   

Topic: Tanzania - A Spiritual Safari
Eucharist will be celebrated by The Rt. Rev. Steven A. Miller

 

Mother Paula (2nd from right) with Bishop Miller and Diocese of Milwaukee team members posing with  Bishop of Newala and other members of our companion diocese

   

Join us as we spend an autumn day at beautiful  

Nashotah House,  to share fellowship and hear about

Mother Paula's experiences

on her recent trip to Tanzania with Bishop Miller

and the delegation from the Diocese.    

REGISTRATION FORM   

Interfaith Brewer Day

Interfaith Day at Miller Park

Tuesday, August 20, 2013
7:10 p.m.

This annual event is sponsored by the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee, of which Bishop Miller is immediate past-President (who had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the Interfaith Day Brewer game a few years ago!)

Brewers giving $10 vouchers to every attendee!!
Still time to order tickets & t-shirts - Deadline is Aug. 5    Order by Aug. 5.  Order by Aug. 5.  CLICK HERE  for details about online and mail-in ordering, or call (414) 276-9050.   

Debt reduction workshop for parishes
Does your church have debt?  Come join other congregations in the diocese, as we learn about strategies for debt reduction or debt retirement. 
Presented by the Episcopal Church Foundation, the workshop will take place on Saturday, September 14, 2013 from 9am-3pm at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 670 E. Monroe Avenue, Hartford, WI 53027  
This event is free of charge, but space is limited. Lunch will be
provided. PLEASE REGISTER by JULY 31st!   Click for flyer.   

One more time . . . THANK YOU for forwarding this newsletter to parishioners and others who may be  interested and for sending YOUR news/events / photos to [email protected] !
  
See you next week!
 
Sincerely,
 
Barb

Barbara Klauber
Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee