The Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee

 

 
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E-NEWS

August 29, 2014

  

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In This Issue
Register now to attend Diocesan Convention
The Rev. James Kaestner celebrates 55 years in the priesthood
Medieval Harvest Faire at Cathedral on September 20
Safeguarding God's Children and People Training options
Learn More about your Faith!...EFM
Register NOW for Fall Church Development Institute
Julian of Norwich gathering
What does it mean to be community?...by Peggy Bean, Canon for Parishes
 

The Episcopal Church Wants Your Feedback! 
Our church wants YOUR feedback: The Task Force for Reimagining the Episcopal Church (TREC) is looking at the structure of our church and how we do our life and policies together. Go to reimaginetec.org and you will see a place on the home page for feedback about your thoughts on the church.
 
 
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. 
Barbara Klauber, Editor
Register now to attend Diocesan Convention 

We are just six weeks away from Diocesan Convention, which takes place October 10-11 at the Marriott Madison West Hotel in Madison.  The theme of this year's Convention is "One Bread, One Body".

Please click on the Diocesan Convention link below to register to attend Convention as a clergy or lay deputy, a visitor, or to have a display as a vendor or exhibitor.  We will have guests from our companion diocese of Newala with us for this year's Convention, including The Rt. Rev. Oscar Stephen Mnung'a, Bishop of Newala, who will preach at the Eucharist eand speak at the convention banquet.  All members of the diocese are welcome to attend Convention workshops and the Eucharist on Friday, October 10th without needing to register.  Non-deputies who wish to attend the banquet on Friday or the business session on Saturday may register as Visitors. 

The diocesan Altar Guild will hold their annual meeting at Convention this year and welcome deputies and visitors to Convention to participate in their workshop.  More information on their workshop and on all Convention workshops is on the Convention page on the website.

Questions?  Contact Barbara Klauber at the Diocesan Office at [email protected] or (414) 272-3028/ext. 111 or (800) 236-3028/ext. 111.
We look forward to seeing you at Diocesan Convention in Madison!

The Rev. James Kaestner celebrates 55 years  
as a priest of the Episcopal Church 
                                                        Photos by The Rev. Karen Buker  
On August 23 The Rev. James A. Kaestner marked the 55th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.  Celebrating with Fr. Kaestner are (L-R) The Rev. Regs Scheeler, The Rev. Gary Kriss, The Rev. Wayne Fehr, Bishop Steven Miller, Fr. Kaestner, The Rev. Scott Stoner, The Rev. Fred Himmerich, and The Rev. Charles Henery. 

Fr. Kaestner has spent almost all the years of his ordained ministry in the Diocese of Milwaukee.  For over 20 years he served as rector of St. Luke's, Racine and in "retirement" he has served as interim or priest-in-charge in a number of congregations in the diocese, as well as serving in a chaplaincy position at his alma mater, Nashotah House seminary.  Congratulations, Fr. Kaestner and many blessings to you and Mrs. (Judy) Kaestner!
Medieval Harvest Faire at Cathedral on September 20
Come to the Faire! All are welcome at the Michaelmas Medieval Harvest Faire at All Saints' Cathedral on September 20th from 10 AM - 4PM.  The event will be held in the Cathedral gardens and admission is free with a donation of a non-perishable food item which will benefit a local food pantry.  A sung Matins service in the Cathedral will begin the festivities at 10 AM. The rest of the day will feature medieval musical performances, shops and artisans.  The  Cathedral will be open to faire-goers who wish to stroll through this historic building.
All Saints' Cathedral is located at 818 East Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
Scholarships available for Parish Nurse course 
Parish Nursing Course: Part I Sept 11-13, 2014; Part II Sept 25-27, 2014. Course is offered in Oconomowoc WI.
This course is the basic course with RN participants receiving their endorsement as a parish nurse upon completion. Non RN's will receive a certification of completion and are welcomed. This course meets the standards from the International Parish Nurse Resource Center. RN will receive continuing nursing education units.
The fee is $400 for Wisconsin Nurse Members and $450 for non members. A gift has been received for scholarships of $100 for participants who are Episcopalians or serve any Episcopal congregation. Fee includes materials, resources, meals except Friday night dinner and housing. Course is from Thursday evening through Saturday late afternoon both weekends.
For further information and registration please contact
Megan Leadholm, Associate Director of the Wisconsin Nurses' Association c/o 6117 Monona Drive, Madison WI 53716. Phone: 608 - 221 - 0383 ext 203 or
800 - 362-3959 ext 203. Scholarship contact: Maryfran Crist [email protected] / (815) 257-7012.

Commission on Ministry News 

 

The COM is putting together a list of spiritual directors for use by members of the diocese and especially those in the ordination process.  If you have or know a spiritual director that you would like to recommend to others, please email Fr. Scott Seefeldt at [email protected] with that information.  Thank you!

 

September 18th is our annual Parish Ministry Discernment Committee (PMDC) training at Trinity Wauwatosa and St. Dunstan's Middleton.  Aspirants and PMCD members are expected to attend.  Sponsoring clergy are invited as well.  We currently have four teams confirmed from the Milwaukee/Kenosha areas.  If no groups from the western side of the diocese sign up, the meeting at St. Dunstan's will be cancelled.  If you are forming a PMDC and have not already done so, RSVP to Fr. Scott Seefeldt at [email protected] to attend this training.  Thank you!  

Safeguarding God's Children and People Training options 

 

Training to become a SGC Trainer!

Sat, September 13, at St. Matthew's, Kenosha, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm in the Guild Hall.  Email Deacon Terry Garner to attend: [email protected]   

 

SGC Training for Clergy, Vestries and Sunday School Workers/Youth Workers - Sat, Sept 20th 9am - Noon, Two locations:  Christ Church, River Hills and Good Shepherd, Sun Prairie. Click here to register.   

 

Click here to register online to take the Safeguarding God's Children, Safeguarding God's People and A Day at Camp online training programs.

A Day at Camp is strongly recommended for all parishes leading a Vacation Bible School or other summer program with minors. This online training video is geared to safeguarding guidelines specific to leading a day camp (not an overnight camp) program.

Camp Webb logo CAMP WEBB 2014 

Camp Webb 2014

Camp Webb welcomed a full staff and a full house of campers this summer! We also said a gracious farewell to Sarah Hoff our Program Director. Sarah has served Camp Webb faithfully for the last several years. This was Sarah's last year with us. We wish her the best as she begins new career avenues. We also welcomed a New Camp Director, Rev. Elizabeth (Liz) Tester. Liz is the rector of St. Paul's, Watertown. She has years of experience as the Director of Camp Henry in North Carolina. She began her Camp Webb directorship on July 1, 2014. She will be reporting to Rev. Carla McCook and Liz will oversee the planning and programming for our Camp Webb sessions and hiring staff. Registration will still go directly through Carla's office at diocesan offices.

 

CAMP WEBB 2015

We are already in the process of planning for Camp Webb 2015!
Please mark your family calendars and parish calendars:  

June 14-19 STAFF WEEK, 
June 21-26 CAMP WEEK 
Children's Worship Bulletins available 
Need to plan your next year of formation activities? Diocesan Christian Formation subscribes to Children's Worship Bulletins on behalf of all our parishes.
You can find the bulletins on the diocesan website here. (Click on "Children's Worship Bulletins for Diocese of Milwaukee Parishes" and use the username and password on the page.)
We download the bulletins and post them to our site as CWB releases them; they are currently updated through September.
Please Help the Homeless of Milwaukee by supporting Sundries on the Avenue & Red Door at Diocesan Convention  

 

Daily, too many of our economically distressed brothers and sisters in the Milwaukee area ask themselves the following question,

"Do I buy food, medicine or hygiene products?"

 

St. James Episcopal Church is delighted to help answer that question through the ministry of "Sundries from The Avenue." Working in concert with Outreach Ministry of the Central City Churches of Milwaukee, "Sundries from The Avenue" gathers and provides sundries at no cost to single adults and families living on low-incomes, on fixed-incomes or with no incomes.

 

Please join us in helping meet a critical need by bringing the following unused personal size or individually wrapped sundries to the Diocesan Convention on October 10-11, 2014 at the Madison Marriott West in Madison.

 

Items needed include:

Tooth Brushes,Toothpaste, Shampoo, Soap, Kleenex, Deodorant, Disposable Razors, Mouthwash, Feminine Hygiene Products, Combs, Hair Brushes, Shaving Cream, Lip Balm, Dental Floss, Band aids, Bandages, and  Hand Lotion.     

 

Gently used or new jeans are also being collected for the Red Door clothing ministry.  Greatest need is for MEN'S jeans in large/extra large sizes.  Please bring jeans to the "Sundries" display at Convention.                                                                           

Thank you!  Together we can make a meaningful difference!

Peace in the Middle East:  An Order for Evening at St. Matthew's, Kenosha 
A service of prayer and remembrance dedicated to peace in the Middle East:  Please join us for an evening of prayer, silence and meditation as we remember those suffering in the Middle East. 
The service will take place on Sunday, August 31st at 5pm at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, located at 5900 Seventh Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53140.
Combined Fund Short-Term Income Investment Pool

Bake Sales?  Cookie Sales?  Yard Sales?  Chili Cook-offs?

Fund-raising for a youth group trip? A Fix-it project around the church?

Thinking about a short-term CD or a short term money market account?

Want a Bigger Return?

Ask Us About The NEW Combined Fund Short-term Income Investment Pool! 

 

The Short-Term Income Investment Pool is intended for investment of short-term funds with an investment horizon up to about eighteen months. This pool would be an alternative to money market investments and short-term CD's. This portfolio would not be FDIC insured.

 

Allocation: Ultra short-term, short-term and intermediate term fixed income funds and 5% in and S&P 500 Index Fund. 

Risk Profile: Goal is not to have a loss in any single one-year period. There could be a loss in a given calendar quarter. 

Anticipated Total Returns:Investment returns are expected to exceed the rate of inflation and to exceed money market fund rates by 2% annually over time. 

Minimum Initial Investment:   $1,000.00

Withdrawals: There are no automatic distributions of income from the Pool. Withdrawals may be made on demand once per calendar quarter.  

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Diocese offers used staff car, 2006 Saturn Ion, for sale
Know of anyone who needs a good used car?  The Diocese of Milwaukee offers for sale this 2006 Saturn Ion for sale for $5700 -- make an offer!  The car has 72,966 miles and has been well maintained.  Contact Marlene Udovich, diocesan finance officer, for more information at [email protected] or (414) 272-3028/ext. 157.
UPCOMING EVENTS

Lots-A-Loot sale at St. Luke's, Madison
On Friday, August 22 (9am-2pm) and Saturday, August 23 (8am - 3pm) the Lots-A-Loot Rummage & Bake Sale takes place at St. Luke's, Madison.  The event features toys, linens, furniture, baby items, electronics, housewares, clothing (kids and adult), books, videos, DVD's, craft supplies, sporting goods, collectibles . . . and MORE!  The parish is located at 4011 Major Avenue, Madison, WI 53716 (corner of Lake Edge Boulevard & Major Avenue, 2 blocks East of Monona Drive).  Questions?  Call the parish at (608) 222-6921.
 
St. Mary's, Dousman Fall Fest October 5 
In conjunction with the Dousman Fire Department and in memory of Richard Stephan, St. Mary's, Dousman hosts the 2014 Fall Fest on October 5 from 11AM - 3PM.  The fest will offer music, a Farmer's Market, food, pottery, fun activities for children, a Bake Sale, and a Fire Department raffle for a child to win a ride to school on a fire truck!! ALL are WELCOME! St. Mary's is located at the corner of Hwy 18 & Hwy 67  in Dousman.  Flyer

Learn More about your Faith!
EFM is a distance learning program administered by the School of Theology of the University of the South at Sewanee.  It is an in-depth program of theological education that seeks to expose laypersons to theological studies and to help them to integrate those studies into their lives and ministry.
EFM has two components.  The first component is study.  The program is a four-year course that you commit to one year at a time.  In the first year, you study the Old Testament.  In the second, the New Testament.  In the third, Church History, and in the fourth, Christian Theology.  Many of the texts are the same ones used in our Episcopal seminaries.
The second component is weekly group meetings, where readings are discussed and we enter into theological reflection, which connects our own experience to our Christian heritage.  It is truly an amazing process that has to be experienced to be understood.
The commitment is significant.  It requires a meeting a week and several hours of study time. Our meeting time is Thursday night.   This is an adult learning environment, so there are no tests or quizzes, but you get out of it what you put into it.  There is a tuition cost of $350 for the year (reduced if couples sign up), but there are scholarships available from many sources.  PLEASE, if money is stopping you, don't let it.  We will make sure that anyone who wishes to participate will not be turned aside for monetary reasons. We have scholarship aid available from the parish, the diocese, and Sewanee.  I myself needed financial support for several of my years of EFM. 
You can get more information at the EFM website .  If you are interested, please e-mail me and let me know. [email protected] .

The Rev. David Simmons
Trustees of Funds and Endowment Announce New Investment Pools

For the past year or so, the Board of Trustees of Funds and Endowments has been discussing alternative investment opportunities that would benefit all of the Episcopal entities in the Diocese of Milwaukee -  large and small,  well-resourced or struggling.

The Board has developed two different potential options for investing in addition to the long-term, legacy funding that is the current Combined Fund.  The new pools include a mid-term investment opportunity that might work for capital fund drives and a short-term opportunity that might work in lieu of a CD or money market account.

Please click on  survey link  or cut and paste this link into your browser -  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NXZCWLG  -  then read the information and answer the seven-question survey.   

Thank you for taking the time, we need to hear from all parishes and Episcopal entities.  


Register NOW for Fall Church Development Institute
Now is the time to register for upcoming cycles of Church Development Institute!

Peggy Bean, Canon for Parishes, explains that the next cycle will be a Saturday - Sunday format, which provides opportunity to invite people who cannot take a Friday off work.  It also  allows for experiencing Morning Prayer not only at DCDI but also at participant's home parishes if they so choose.  

The upcoming DCDI Cycle:  

November 1 - 2, 2014; Jan. 17 - 18, 2015;

March 21 - 22, 2015; May 16 - 17, 2015

 
hope dove
Community of Hope program offered at All Saints' Cathedral - Fall 2014

All Saints' Cathedral will offer a fall Community of Hope session on Monday evenings.   This program is designed to help lay people discern a call to any variety of ministries (such as, but, not limited to, volunteering at nursing homes, hospitals, home communion ministries, helping in shelters, teaching Sunday school, etc...)  It is a 12-week course that meets weekly.  At the end there will be a day-long retreat.  Participants will also be asked to think about some form of ministry that they would like to explore for 6 months following the completion of the course work.  COH provides some practical and spiritual tools for these ministries.  COH is deeply rooted in Benedictine spirituality.  As part of the course the participants will read and discuss Benedict's rule.

 

After discerning and finding a particular ministry, COH has a second component called Circle of Care.  Graduates meet on a periodic basis for mutual support.  The Circle of Care group here meets once a month.  They share simple supper and spend the evening talking about their various ministries and any problems or successes that they would like to share.  People from our first cycle from 2 years ago are working as volunteers at St. John's on the Lake and at two hospices in the area.

 

If you would like more information, including class schedules, please contact Fr. Kevin Carroll at All Saints' Cathedral via phone or email at [email protected].

LECM is looking for 30 people to donate $300 to help change the world!
Do you want to transform others and teach them about God's LOVE? 30 by 300 is the answer. The Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry in Whitewater is looking for 30 people who can commit to support the LECM by donating $300.00 dollars. By supporting LECM and the 30 by 300 program, you will be feeding 250 students weekly and you will teach others to give freely in the name of God. Help us transform this community, help us teach the youth about God's love and help us feed thousands by supporting the LECM Spaghetti Meals. For more information about LECM and out spaghetti meals for the UW-Whitewater students please visit us at www.lecmww.org or email us at [email protected]
Julian of Norwich gathering

Madison-Area Julian Gathering

Wednesday, September 10, 7:15 - 9:00 PM

St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church

6205 University Avenue

Madison, WI  53705

 

Who is Julian of Norwich, and why are people gathering to learn about her?

 

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.    

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 [email protected].

What does it mean to be community?
by Peggy Bean, Canon for Parishes

What does it mean to be community? We know as we look at our congregations there is a lot that happens in the parish community both in mission and ministry and there are many individuals apart from one's parish who are active in a variety of communities.

But what about us as a Diocesan community, what does that look like? The Commission on Mission and Development has pondered that question over the last few years and continues to hold that question up as we do our work.

We believe by building relationships, in offering support (financially, educationally, and prayerfully) and by journeying with others into the wider world we form Diocesan Community. Together we are building stronger congregations, forming disciples and doing the work of the Kingdom.

 

The Rev. Mike Tess, Vicar of Good Shepherd in Sun Prairie and I are looking into the issues of hospitality in a multicultural world. We started asking questions such as: How are our congregations in truly welcoming those who come from different parts of the globe? What does the word welcome really mean and specifically how do we show it? Is our community really open to all in our neighborhoods?   Do we know who are neighbors are and if they were to come into our churches what would they see and feel? Would this be a place they would truly feel welcomed into?
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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