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 info@diomil.org so that we may include them in the E-NEWS. We wish you all every happiness in this New Year!
Barbara Klauber, Editor
(Please Note: E-NEWS will be published the week of Christmas)
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 | Children of Emmanuel Church, Ramleh, Israel prepare to process
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Presiding Bishop urges parishes to support Church in Jerusalem through Good Friday Offering
Note: Click HERE to download the following letter from the Presiding Bishop, bulletin inserts, and other "Good Friday Offering" resources
Epiphany 2015
My brothers and sisters in Christ:
The Episcopal Church has been in partnership with the Diocese of Jerusalem for a very long time. Since 1922, we have taken an offering in our churches on Good Friday to support the work of the gospel in the
Land of the Holy One. That Land is still the place of deep division and
conflict, more than 2000 years after the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. He and his earthly family suffered under threat of oppressive regimes, fled as refugees to another land, labored to supply their bodily needs in the face of dire economic realities, and he himself was executed as an enemy of the state. All of those realities are present today in the Anglican/Episcopal Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.
The offering we collect on Good Friday carries on the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, through support for the many ministries of healing, feeding, and teaching among the dioceses of the Province. Refugees are cared for, the sick and injured are healed, the dead are buried, children educated, women empowered by these ministries - and all are welcomed with open arms, like Abraham and Sarah's guests. Jesus cared for all in need, without regard for nationality or creed, and these ministries do the same. It is the work of shalom and salaam, building peace in the hearts of suffering individuals and communities.
I urge you to learn more, to pray for the people of the Land of the Holy One, and to give generously this year. I would encourage us all to use the fast of Lent to focus on the hunger (both spiritual and physical) of these peoples, and contribute out of our abundance and our poverty.
May our offering this year strengthen the bonds among all God's people, and bless each one with concrete and eternal signs of more abundant life.
Your servant in Christ,
Katharine Jefferts Schori (The Most Rev.)
Presiding Bishop
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 Parishes! Now is the time to apply for a Mission and Development grant
The diocesan Mission and Development commission is offering grants to help support parish projects that meet one of the following criteria:
- strengthens the congregation's identity and purpose
- deepens the congregation's engagement with the local community, or
- fosters healthy and effective organizational dynamics within the parish
Click HERE for an application! Questions? Contact Peggy Bean, Canon for Congregations, at bean@diomil.org . |
 IRS Mileage Rates for 2015 One of the most frerquently asked questions received at the diocesan office is, "What's the mileage reimbursement rate?" As of January 1, 2015, the IRS standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck are:
- 57.5 cents per mile for business miles driven, up from 56 cents in 2014
- 23 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down half a cent from 2014
- 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
For more information, see the IRS website's detailed information on mileage.
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Buying Singing Rooster Coffee Supports
the Haiti Project!
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Haitproject.org, Singing Rooster.org and Peapod.com and St. Michaels' church Barrington, are collaborating to fight poverty in Haiti by expanding the sales of Singing Rooster brand Haitian coffee in the United States.
The test market of Singing Rooster Haitian coffee on Peapod.com will start January 15 and will last approximately one month. The coffee will be available through Peapod in the Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C. metro areas, and will retail $10.50 - $11.80. Over 60% of each bag's price is returned to Haiti: $4.80-5.80 to the Haitian farmers' cooperatives; $0.50 to the HaitiProject.org's education mission in Jeanette Haiti, and $1.00 to the Red Cross's Haiti mission donated by Peapod.
It is important that the test market be successful so that the Haiti mission can maintain adequate funding, so please invite your friends who use Peapod to order. The coffee will be available January 15 - February 15. Please consider supporting this worthy cause by ordering Singing Rooster for your home or church via Peapod.com. Even better for those of us in the diocese of Milwaukee is to buy Singing Rooster through your parish - that way the Haiti Project gets $3.00 per bag! If your parish does not currently sell Singing Rooster Coffee and you would like to consider, please contact Molly Nicaise at haitiproject.org/coffee .
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Volunteers at work at The Hospitality Center
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Update on The Hospitality Center in Racine
Since the following story ran last week, there has been additional media coverage of the Hospitality Center and the City of
Racine's efforts to serve their community's homeless men and women in need of overnight shelter during the winter. Center Director Deacon Stewart reports that both donations and volunteers have been forthcoming in the past week. However, the need is both great and ongoing. If you can help, with prayer, donations, or by volunteering, please read on . . . With southern Wisconsin experiencing yet another winter of record cold weather, the Hospitality Center, a ministry of the Diocese of Milwaukee located in downtown Racine, finds itself once again taking on a role it was never intended for -- that of providing round the clock shelter to some two dozen or more homeless men and women. Originally conceived as a daytime place of hospitality for the homeless, overnight shelter was first offered during last winter's record cold snaps, which lasted for months. With this year already seeing below-zero nights, the shelter has again been offering 24-7 shelter. For a number of reasons, including insufficient trained volunteers, the Center's director, The Rev. Kevin Stewart, is working with Racine community officials to find another solution, so that the Hospitality Center can return to its original mission. The need for funding and volunteers is ongoing, however. Those wishing to help are asked to contact Kevin Stewart at 414-405-5619 or clerickevin@me.com
Click HERE to view news story / video that appeared on Ch. 6 Fox News.
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Longtime members of the diocese will recall The Rev. Arthur Kephart, a retired priest of the Diocese of Fond du Lac who served as rector of Trinity, Baraboo from 1961-1981. Fr. Kephart died January 11 following a stroke suffered the previous week.
Arrangements for funeral services have not yet been finalized. May he rest in peace.
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Deacon Peter Koeller passed away peacefully on December 24, 2014. A memorial service will beheld for Peter on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church in Hartford, WI. Visitation will be from 1:30-3pm, with the service at 3pm. There will be a luncheon to follow. St Aidan's Episcopal Church is located at 670 E. Monroe Avenue, Hartford, WI 53027
Please keep Peter's wife Sandy, and their children Erika, Matthew, and Christopher, in your thoughts and prayers. Cards can be sent to Sandy at 1218 Hawthorne Drive, West Bend, WI 53095.
Thank you to The Rev. Anna Doherty, rector of St. Aidan's, Hartford, for providing this information. |
AROUND THE DIOCESE . . .
Marriage Renewal Event FEB 14 at St. Luke's, Madison Celebrate Valentine's Day Differently... Wonder what you're doing for Valentine's day with your spouse? Consider investing a practical and joyful day to renew your marriage. Renew your vows with an evening service. Conclude the day with a festive slow food dinner. The trainer is Dr. Gayle Reed, who teaches the enhancement of relationships through forgiveness. St. Luke's | 4011 Major Ave | Madison, WI 53716 | 608.222.6921 | stlukesmadison.org To register, click HERE.  Harp Twins to be featured at St. Peter's, Fort Atkinson concert at 4pm on Jan. 25
We are so privileged to have "Harp Twins" Camille and Kennerly Kitt here at St. Peter's to open our 2015 Concert Series. This delightful duo performs original arrangements of traditional and contemporary compositions on acoustic and electric harps. To find out more about them, go to their website at: www.HarpTwins.com. You won't want to miss this unique concert!
 Healing Event in Janesville March 20-21 sponsored by The Order of St. Luke
A Christian interdenominational healing event will be held in downtown Janesville at Trinity Episcopal Church Friday evening and Saturday, 20/21 March 2015. Leader/speaker of the event is Nigel Mumford, who is renowned for his personal approach during his teaching. For more information see: byhiswoundsministry.org Registration of $35 includes Saturday lunch. The first session begins at 6PM Friday evening on 20 March with three sessions planned from 830AM through 5PM on Saturday, 21 March. Additional highlights include praise music with healing prayers specific to needs of attendees. Members of Trinity Janesville Order of St Luke (OSL) chapter have seen Nigel at Geneva, IL last year and felt it important for his message to be shared in southern Wisconsin. Click HERE for registration information and poster. Contact Adel Smith adelsmith1939@gmail.com
/ 608 754 3402 for additional information.
 How Does your Faith Inspire you to Treat the Stranger? Conference addresses question on January 25th
The Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee is partnering with the Brookfield Elm Grove Interfaith Network (BEGIN) to offer an exceptional program on Sunday afternoon, January 25, on "How does your faith inspire you to treat the stranger?" We expect to have presentations of four to five minutes each from representatives of several faith traditions, including: Baha'i, Buddhism, Evangelical Christian, Islam, Islamic Sufism, Judaism, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), Sikhism, Unitarian Universalism and Zoroastrianism. Then people will break into small groups for lively discussion. The event, which is free and open to the public, will run from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church West, 13001 W. North Ave., Brookfield. It will include light refreshments. Reservations are not necessary. For more information, call the Interfaith Conference office at 414-276-9050 FLYER
 Celebrating African Heritage Month at St. Paul's, Milwaukee All are invited to attend Adult Education at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Milwaukee, which takes place at 9:00 AM Sundays in the Community Room. St. Paul's is located at 918 East Knapp Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. February is African Heritage Month and the adult education offerings celebrate this theme.
FEBRUARY 1
LaToya Sykes, Director of Our Next Generation
Since its founding in 1992, Our Next Generation has provided academic tutoring, enrichment programming, and social support to thousands of students in the heart of one of Milwaukee's most challenged communities, with tangible results: better grades, higher high-school graduation rates, improved self-esteem, and positive attitudes toward the future.
FEBRUARY 8
Parishioner Mark Purnell is a descendant of United States Colored Troups (USCT) soldier Louis Purnell, a veteran of the Civil War. Mark will describe the 25 year journey of his "free born" ancestor, repeating a program he gave at the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum in Washington DC last August.
FEBRUARY15
Parishioner Cathy Simpson will present "Reflections: Heritage and History through Prose and Poetry."
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Taken at 2014 LARCUM Taize event.
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LARCUM Taize Prayer Service Jan. 21 in West Allis
The next LARCUM Taize prayer service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 11709 W. Cleveland Ave. West Allis, WI on Wednesday, January 21 at 7 p.m. The musicians of St. Matthias Episcopal, St. Joesph's Roman Catholic and other churches will combine to lead this service. Interested choir members or musicians who wish to assist in the musical leadership should be to the church by 6:00 p.m. for the musician rehearsal. A light reception is planned after the service.
Taiz� is an international, ecumenical movement of prayer. Taiz� services are contemplative in nature and consist of music, readings, and periods of silence. See http://stmatthiasonline.org/taize.php for more information. The intention is to still the soul in order to invite the presence of God into our lives to bring peace and unity. Those reading this message are asked to please help spread the word about this event - ALL are welcome!! Questions, please contact Craig Bodoh, Director of Music, St. Matthias Episcopal Church, Waukesha at 414-460-3253 or timeman@earthlink.net
(Note: LARCUM is an ecumenical body composed of these member denominations: Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Methodist)
 Taize Service at St. Aidan's, Hartford on January 21
Join us for quiet, contemplative worship on Wednesday, January 21at 7pm at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, located at 670 E. Monroe Ave., Hartford, WI.
Come as you are!
 Epiphany with Harry Potter
During the season of Epiphany, the Christian Education program at St. James, Milwaukee will be magical. We will combine our Children's and Adult Education programs for four Sundays to look for God as revealed in popular culture through J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books. Led by our own Professor McGonagall (Loraine Garner), we will look at the themes of choice, change, prejudice, and sacrificial love with comprise the heart of the series, as well as literary alchemy and the classic hero's journey. We'll also have some fun with the character names, fantastic magical beasts, and spells. Want to know the meaning of "Expecto Patronum"? Bring your want and prepare to be Sorted! The classes will be held AFTER 10:00AM Service (approximately 11:30AM) on January 11, January 18, February 1 & February 15. St. James is located at 833 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233.
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As many throughout the Diocese have been aware, St. James, Milwaukee recently underwent an extensive interior renovation causing Sunday services to be moved into the Parish House Lounge for several weeks. These repairs were necessary as the Sacristy was badly damaged from roof leaks and steam heat issues in the floor. Thankfully and with the hard work of many helping-hands, Christmas Eve was extra special at St. James as this was the first time we were able to worship in the newly renovated Sacristy. While the flooring and plaster were shiny and new and the configuration of the Alter and pews were changed, St. James continues to be the warm, welcoming downtown parish that so many have come to love over the years.
 THEOLOGY PUB Sponsored by St. Mark's Episcopal Church Come and enjoy an evening of food, drinks, friends,
and a little theology. All are welcome.
Enjoy a Christian experience in an informal setting.
Where: Paddy's Pub, 2339 N. Murray Ave.
When: 3rd Tuesday of every month, starting January 20
Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/theologypubmilwaukee
Notes: Snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring dinner! |
 Living Compass offers Lenten Resource
Living Compass is pleased to announce our Lenten resource, Living Well through Lent 2015: Practicing Resilience with All Our Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind. Over the last few years, our seasonal devotionals have become an integral part of Living Compass' work of encouraging and supporting congregations in their mission and ministry. Our Lent 2015 edition is filled with thoughtful reflections from leaders across the Episcopal Church, including an introduction by our Presiding Bishop, the Most Reverend Dr. Katherine Jefferts Schori.
This resource can be used by individuals as a devotional companion for their Lenten journey, and it can also be used as a parish-wide Lenten program. A free program guide, written by the Rev. Shannon Kelly, is available to assist you in your planning and can be used for individual devotions, small groups, a congregational Lenten program, and/or a retreat.
Preview a free sample of the resource or download the free Program Guide on our website
Please note: if there is a financial hardship that would prevent ordering copies of this Lenten resource for your congregation, we have a limited number of devotionals available at no charge. Please contact Edith Braeger (edith@livingcompass.org) at our office for further assistance.
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Pray  ers for Parishes
The following prayer is taken from the first installment of a cycle of prayers for the parishes and ministry clusters of the Diocese of Milwaukee. It was prepared by the diocesan Commission on Mission and Development. To view the complete first installment, including an introduction by the Commission, please click HERE.
January 18 - St. Paul's, Milwaukee
Almighty God, we pray for the faithful people of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Milwaukee. May they listen for God's Spirit to guide them into new places to welcome and include those who long for God's grace and presence in their lives. Help them to embrace new ways of inviting people to belong to a community of love and grace. May they continue in their ministries of hospitality, opening their space for concerts, music events, and art. May your Holy Spirit continue to guide them in creativity and and invitation for all of God's people. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
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Note: The Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, compiled by the Order of Julian of Norwich, which includes both Diocese of Milwaukee and Diocese of Newala parishes and ministries, is also posted on the diocesan website, along with the Commission on Mission and Development's "Prayers for the Parishes of the Diocese of Milwaukee". Parishes are encouraged to make use of both these resources in their weekly prayers and Services.
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 Commission on Ministry - Important Dates for 2015! Those in the process for ordination or in the process of beginning to discern a vocation will want to note these dates announced by the diocesan Commission on Ministry for 2015:
April 18, 9 - 3 - Applicant interviews for candidacy and ordination to the diaconate, St. Mary's, Dousman June 4, 7 pm - General Information Meeting for those considering discernment, location(s) TBA September 12, 9:30 - 1 - PMDC (Parish Ministry Discernment Committee) training, St. Mary's, Dousman October 23, 5pm - 24, 1pm - MDW (Ministry Discernment Weekend), The DeKoven Cente |
 It's not too late to give Camp Webb to your children or grandchildren as a late Christmas gift!
Parents! Grandparents! Consider giving the gift of Camp Webb to your children / grandchildren. Early registration at reduced fee ($375) week runs through January 15th! Click HERE for more information or contact The Rev. Carla McCook at mccook@diomil.org .
Those who do not have children or  grandchildren of camp age may wish to consider making camp possible for children who need financial assistance . . . click HERE to donate. Your donation will help us live out our belief that NO child should miss out on camp because of lack of money!
To all who support Camp Webb, whether by attending camp, donating, or volunteering -- THANK YOU!! And may God bless you in this New Year!
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Leadership Day - March 7, 2015
Please hold this date! Diocese of Milwaukee's "Leadership Day" for Vestries, Treasurers, and Clergy will be held on March 7, 2015. Make sure your parish is represented! Click HERE for REGISTRATION FORM / MORE INFO.  Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) Winter Webinars for p)arish Lay Leaders and Clergy As part of ECF's on-going efforts to assist congregations in developing their leadership and financial resources, they are offering a wide range of web conferences for clergy and lay parish leaders this. There is no cost to participate in ECF's web conferences and all lay and clergy leaders are welcome to participate. Topics include vestries, team leadership, capital campaigns, endowments, stewardship, and more. Click HERE to check out their offerings!
Conflict Management & Reconciliation course offered at Nashotah House as part of 2015 Winter Symposium
 | The Frances Donaldson Library at Nashotah
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Nashotah House Theological Seminary offers continuing educational opportunities that are open to the public as well as to Nashotah House students.
Among the courses offered in 2015 is a Winter Symposium on 'Conflict Management & Reconciliation' February 27 and 28, 2015. Facilitators: David Lee Jones, ThD and Peter Steinke, ThD. For more information and to register, please visit Nashotah House's web site at:
http://www.nashotah.edu/academics/winter-symposium-2015/
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 Madison-area Julian Gathering begins winter break in January
The Madison-Area Julian Gathering will again be taking a winter break in January, February and March. Our next meeting will be April 8.
Questions? Call or email Susan Fiore, ObJN at (608) 845-2413 or slfiore@mac.com |
 Mission trips to Haiti . . .
The Diocese of Milwaukee Haiti Project is organizing mission trips to Jeannette, Haiti, for 2015. The dates for the trips will be March 13-22, tentatively April 17-26 and July 10-19. If there is enough interest, we will plan a fall trip. If you or someone you know is interested in going, please contact Mary Alice Eschweiler, sheppatch@aol.com. Application forms may be found at www.haitiproject.org and should be mailed to Mary Alice at 32022 W. Hwy. K, Hartland, WI. The 9 day trip will include a work program designed around the talents of team members, worshipping at St. Marc's Church. The cost of the trip is $800 plus airfare. More information may be found on the website or by calling 262-367-6564. |
 EFM Mentor Training at DeKoven Center in March
The Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee is pleased to announce an Education for Ministry Mentor Training at DeKoven Center in Racine. The training workshop is scheduled to begin on March 12, 2015 at Noon and conclude on March 14 at 1:00 PM.
All sessions will take place at the DeKoven Center located at 600 21st Street in Racine, Wisconsin. Double-occupancy rooms are available for $190 and Single-occupancy rooms for $210. The price of the workshop includes Thursday dinner, all Friday meals, and Saturday breakfast and a bag lunch.
Anyone who has completed the four-year EfM program is eligible to take Mentor Training. All Diocesan Coordinators and current Mentors can be recertified at this training. To register please contact William Stotts at (414) 350-6305 or by e-mail at wmnmex@aol.com
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 Safeguarding God's Children and God's People
Click HERE to register online to take a class or any of our online trainings offered by our diocese in Safeguarding God's Children (SGC) and Safeguarding God's People (SGP). Our next class with a trainer is scheduled for February 28 2015. There are two locations: St. Mark's, Milwaukee and Church of the Good Shepherd, Sun Prairie. Both locations begin at 9am and end at Noon. Remember that all Vestry and Clergy are required to complete all SafeGuarding Children/People courses.
L.E.V. are required to complete SGP and anyone who is in ministry with children and youth are required to complete SGC. All certificates need to be renewed every 5 years. See our website for details on trainings, to register for trainings and to see the Master List of all who have completed trainings since 2003.
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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 info@diomil.org ! See you next week! Sincerely, Barb
Barbara Klauber
Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee
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