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.
Barbara Klauber, Editor
|
Bishop Miller and the staff of the Diocese of Milwaukee
wish you all a joyous and safe Labor Day!
|
 A Letter to The Episcopal Church
From the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies
 Confession, Repentance, and Commitment to End Racism Sunday
|
|
REGISTER NOW!
|
| | St. John's Northwestern Military Academy is the site of the 2015 diocesan convention |
Diocesan Convention 2015 invites you to be part of the convention community
The theme of this year's diocesan convention is:
A Eucharistic People: a community of thanksgiving
"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart, I will tell of
all your wonderful deeds." Psalm 9:1
As we gather in beautiful Noble Victory Memorial Chapel for the 9am opening Eucharist, we hope that many visitors will join us -- you do not have to be a clergy or lay deputy to attend the convention Eucharist!
Indeed, visitors are welcomed and invited to participate in as much of convention as they wish (see visitor registration form below). All members of the diocese are encouraged to come and help us celebrate our theme of thanksgiving!
After the Eucharist, there will be a continental breakfast, followed by a presentation on taking our Faith into our communities, focusing on the "I will tell of all your wonderful deeds" part of our convention theme. Speakers will include Jennifer Henery, Ph.D., religious studies instructor at SJNMA, SJNMA cadets, Peggy Bean, Canon for Parishes, and
Alice Mirk, coordinator of our Diocesan Community Connection and parish leader at St. Paul's, Watertown. Coordinator for our Diocesan Community Connection
and parish leader at St. Paul's in Watertown. Not only will you hear stories from the cadets of how outreach opportunities have deepened their faith and their call to mission, you will also hear stories of how a parish community has united a town around a common mission. Our hope is that you will leave Convention with not only a desire but also a way to create a sustainable community connection.
The business meeting takes place after lunch, beginning at 1:30 p.m. with adjournment at 4:30 pm.
The links below will provide further information on convention, including an outline of the schedule, as well as registration forms. Questions? Please contact Barbara Klauber, Administrative Assistant, at the diocesan office at info@diomil.org or (414) 272-3028/ext. 111. She will be happy to help!
ALL members of the diocese are welcome at diocesan convention!
Resolutions / Nominations / proposed 2016 Diocesan Budget will be available after Labor Day Weekend. |
 What Does Clean Water Have to do with Supporting St. Marc's School in Jeannette, Haiti?
by Heidi Ropa, Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee Haiti Project Coordinator
"I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink." Matthew 25:35
Water-borne illnesses are preventable if purification methods and education are available in a community. Access to clean water is a challenge to most of the residents of Jeannette. Mothers worry after a rain that bacteria-laden debris around the water catchment system may cause their children to become ill. The results of repeated bouts of illness in young children are poor nutrient absorption, weak immune systems, stunted growth and impaired cognitive development. Clean water has everything to do with ability to learn and thrive. Bringing a water purification system to 550 students at St. Marc's School supports healthy brains and nourished bodies.
Donations can be made on the Haiti Project's secure website by following the Donate Today link or you can mail your gift to the following address: Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee-Haiti Project, 804 E. Juneau Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202. Please included "Matching Campaign" in the memo line. Thank you for your generous support over the years of this partnership.
|
Free ride: Transportation project takes seniors, disabled to church, monthly luncheon
|
The Rev. Matthew Buterbaugh, left, shares a laugh with others at the monthly Senior ECHO Project luncheon at St. Matthew Episcopal Church\'s Guild Hall.St. Matthew\'s is one of the six churches involved in the related senior transportation project. ( BRIAN PASSINO )
|
(story by Karen Mahoney; reprinted from the Kenosha News)
When seniors or disabled citizens in Kenosha County wish to attend church, they just have to make a phone call.
Thanks to the Senior ECHO Project at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, the seniors and disabled are able to get a free ride to one of six churches on Sundays, followed by a free luncheon on the first Sunday of the month.
The Ecumenical Church Housing Organization of Kenosha Inc., or ECHO, was disbanded many years ago, but left funds to St. Matthew's, and designated the funds be used to provide for elderly people and families - especially their physical, social and psychological needs, and contribute to their health, security, happiness and usefulness in longer living. These funds are currently used to support the Senior ECHO Project.
According to Guida Brown, a member of St. Matthew's and chairwoman of the Service and Outreach Committee, the idea for this program came about nearly four years ago.
"George Schwartz Jr., a lifetime member and former treasurer of the church, came up with the idea, but it took until this year for the Service and Outreach Committee to coordinate it and the Vestry to subsequently approve it," explained Brown. "We have some designated dollars that are reserved to serve seniors in our community, so we tried to think of areas where seniors are underserved."
|
 Rest in Peace . . . The Rev. Art Lloyd
The Rev. Art Lloyd passed away on August 4. We will celebrate his life at St. Dunstan's Church in Madison, WI, on Saturday, September 19, at 10:30am.
During his career in ministry, Art served as Assistant Minister at the Church of the Redeemer, Cincinnati, Ohio; Associate Minister for Campus Ministry at Trinity Church Bloomington, Indiana; and Chaplain at St. Francis House in Madison, Wisconsin.
|
|
Convocation gatherings with Bishop, formation leaders
|
| | Central Convocation clergy and formation leaders meet with Bishop Miller and The Rev. Carla McCook |
During the month of August, Bishop Miller and Rev. Carla McCook, his Assistant for Christian Formation & Ministry, traveled our diocese meeting with convocations' clergy and formation leaders. Many new relationships were created between the leaders within each convocation, ideas shared for Lifelong Christian Formation, and each convocation has since created a Convocation Group E-Mail for formation leaders. If you want to be a part of your convocation's e-mail list please email Rev. Carla (mccook@diomil.org) and she can add you to the correct group. |
|
Grace Church Madison breaks new ground
|
|
Caption (from left to right: Christina Burzinski, Parish Administrator, Jane Ferris, chair of Master Plan Steering Committee, Fred Groth, Grace member and General Manager, Jonathan Grieser, Rector, John Wood, Senior Warden, Bishop Miller, Steve Klavan of Findorff, and Vince Micha, Project Architect.
|
On August 23, 2015, Grace Church (Madison) broke ground on a $2 million renovation project. It is the culmination of a three-year long process that began when a group of parishioners brainstormed ways to improve Grace's facilities for members and visitors. What started as an Aesthetics Committee transformed into the Master Plan Steering Committee, vetting potential architects and visiting churches from Milwaukee to Platteville. The Kubala Washatko Architects of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, were chosen to work with Grace on an overall master plan under the direction of lead architect Vince Micha.
Soliciting input through dozens of meetings with scores of parishioners and outsiders who make use of Grace's facilities, Micha presented and revised a master plan for renovations of Grace's entire physical plant. Over the two years that followed, plans were revised and more clearly defined to meet the goals of the congregation and keep within the financial resources available.
|
 Resources for congregations from Episcopal Church Foundation
Just in time for the start of the congregational program year, the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) is offering free webinars on a variety of topics including vestry leadership, starting a planned giving program, "scrappy church ministry", and the basics of capital campaigns. Click HERE for more information on each webinar and to register!
|
 Vestry Resource Guide available from Episcopal Church Foundation
Whether you're a new vestry member or a seasoned veteran, the newly revised Vestry Resource Guide is essential reading. With a deliberate focus on the importance of lay and clergy leadership teams, you'll find comprehensive information and advice about the ministry of the vestry, leading faith communities, stewardship, and navigating clergy transitions.
Vestry Resource Guide is developed in partnership with Episcopal Church Foundation.
Also available in Spanish, and on Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and on iTunes.
Click HERE for more info / to purchase
|
 An invitation from Nashotah House to the dedication of the St. Francis Adams Hall Organ on September 20th
Nashotah House Theological Seminary is pleased to invite surrounding community for the dedication of a newly donated, refurbished and installed 1958 A.P. Moller pipe organ. The 600-pipe organ was generously donated by the parish of St. Francis Episcopal Church, Menomonee Falls, and restored by Mr. David Boskowski, with voicing and regulation work completed by Mr. Lee Erickson, both from Milwaukee. The organ has been installed in the Adams Hall auditorium, in the DeKoven Commons on the Nashotah House campus.
In celebration of this event, Nashotah House will host an Evensong, Recital and Dedication service on Sunday, September 20, at 4:00 PM, in Adams Hall, with a meal to follow, at 5:00 PM, in the Breck Refectory, both located in the DeKoven Commons at Nashotah House.
The meal's main course and beverages will be complimentary (donations accepted) with side dishes and desserts provided by area congregations and individuals.
To register your participation (attendance and/or contribution to the meal) and number of guests, please contact Dawn Anderson at danderson@nashotah.edu or 262-646-6530 by the deadline of Wednesday, September 16, 2015.
A bulletin insert has been prepared for parishes who would like to publicize this invitation to their congregation.
|
 St. Francis House announces plans for celebration of its
100th Anniversary Two events have been scheduled to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of SFH during the 2015-2016 school year. The first event is for sharing memories. On Friday, October 16, the newly renovated house will be open for tours 9 am to 9 pm, visits with the chaplain and some students, and a formal program from 7-8:30 pm. Recording equipment will be on site to contribute to our story-telling efforts. A website (live as of Sept 1st) will walk alumni through the steps to contribute remotely. Details for the April 23, 2016 celebration dinner will be released shortly. For more information, questions contact: Joanne Oliver, Co- Chair |
AROUND THE DIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE
 What's So Amazing about Grace?
St. Francis, Menomonee Falls welcomes all members of the diocese to be part of an early fall group study. Please join us for a ten-session discussion with video by Philip Yancey, author of "The Jesus I Never Knew". You may choose between a day or evening time beginning:
- Wednesday, September 9th, 6:30 pm OR
- Monday, September 14th, 11 am.
For more information, please contact Craig Korn (414) 617-8608
 Downton Abbey Gala on September 19th benefits St. Peter's, Fort Atkinson
The PBS television series, Downton Abbey, is about the aristocratic Crowley family and its servants, set in England at the turn of the twentieth century. Here in Fort Atkinson, Episcopal services were held regularly since 1860 but the current church building was completed in 1929. Though both have their origins in England the two are not often mentioned in the same breath... until now.
The Downton Abbey Gala is a benefit for St. Peter's Episcopal Church. It will be held on September 19th at 5:30 pm at the historic Fort Atkinson Club (211 S Water St E, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538) overlooking the majestic Rock River. A four course dinner will be served in the Crowley manor house style... a social event not to be missed. There will also be a silent and a live auction with many lovely items donated by individuals and area businesses.
There are several ways individuals can become involved in this event. We are in need of silent and live auction items. Please think of donating a gift certificate, art item, antique, service, and please contact merchants or other individuals for their tax deductible donation. Any questions, please contact Fr. Andrew (920-563-3889) or Virginia Newcomb (608-444-0981). To purchase tickets, call the church office (920-563-3889) $45.00 per person. Reservations are required due to limited seating. Period dress is optional!
|
|
Madison Area Julian Gathering - September 9th
 Madison-Area Julian Gathering
Wednesday, September 9, 7:15 - 9:00 PM
St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church
6205 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53705
St. Julian of Norwich: 14th Century feminist? 14th Century heretic? No, although a reader might at first think so. 14th Century psychologist? Sort of . . . she understood the human heart and, through her sixteen revelations of Jesus, she understood the heart of God. Thomas Merton called her "the greatest theologian for our time." Come to one of our monthly meetings and find out why -- and learn about contemplative prayer. We meet the second Wednesday of each month. We'd love to see you. For more information, contact Susan Fiore at slfiore@mac.com or (608) 845-2413. |
|
New Book in Resource Center at Nicholson House
"The Spirit and Practice of Diversity: Becoming Bridges" by Gary Commins; Cowley Publications.
"Pastor of a bilingual, multicultural church for more than a decade, Gary Commins knows that "diversity" is a spiritual exercise that can be as charged with anxiety as it is laced with hope. In this book, he lays the groundwork for diversity as an intrinsic part of the life of faith and calls us to become "bridge people." People who are willing to travers gaps of ignorance and bridge the things that separate us - religion, race, culture, class, gender, and sexual orientation. For more information on the Resource Center click here or contact The Rev. Carla McCook at mccook@diomil.org. |
|
GENERAL CONVENTION 2015 Summary available
Interested in what took place at this year's General Convention? A Summary of Actions of the 78th General Convention is now available online at the General Convention website HERE. The summary includes results of resolutions and the membership of the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, and other bodies elected or appointed at General Convention. The 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church was held June 25 - July 3, in Salt Lake City, UT (Diocese of Utah). The Episcopal Church's General Convention is held every three years, and is the bicameral governing body of the Church. It comprises the House of Bishops, with upwards of 200 active and retired bishops, and the House of Deputies, with clergy and lay deputies elected from the 108 dioceses and three regional areas of the Church, at more than 800 members. |
 Prayers for Parishes
The diocesan Commission on Mission and Development has prepared a cycle of prayers for the congregations of the Diocese of Milwaukee. To view the current installment of the cycle, which runs from July through November 2015, please click HERE. This week's prayer appears immediately below.
September 06, 2015 - St. John Chrysostom, Delafield
O God, who has taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing; help the people of St. John Chrysostom Church to expand their horizons by seeing new ways to be a loving congregation with each other and in our local community. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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.
|
 
US Disaster Response Program at Episcopal Relief and Development offers assistance / volunteer opportunities
Episcopal Relief & Development's US Disaster Response Program assists diocesan leaders in responding to disasters by providing them with access to the Ready to Serve volunteer database, technical resources and connections to others around the country who have faced similar challenges.
When necessary, ERD may also provide emergency financial assistance to supplement these resources, enabling churches to reach out to their most vulnerable neighbors. Emergency funds are distributed through the local bishop's office, often with the help of a Diocesan Disaster Coordinator, who communicates with Episcopal Relief & Development's US Disaster Program team. Bob Heindl is our Diocesan Coordinator and is in need of others to join him in creating our Diocesan plan.
If you are interested in learning more please go to the ERD website and see how Episcopal Relief is helping communities like ours in times of crisis http://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-we-do/us-disaster-program
|
Thinking about attending Diocesan Church Development Institute? Registration is now open!
Who attends DCDI?Active church members are invited to attend DCDI. Many wardens choose to enroll, and committee leaders, social leaders, education leaders, worship leaders, clergy and other church staff choose to attend. Several churches identify and invite future leaders to participate, in preparation for future leadership roles. The DCDI experience is richer and more productive when participants enroll as part of a parish team. It is strongly recommended that you enroll with a group of 3-5 people from your own parish. The people who attend are curious about how to exercise their unique, God-given gifts to support a healthy and vibrant parish.
It is also important to remember the learning doesn't stop when the Program ends. The key to success and continued learning is in practice. Graduated members should always check in with new participants to see what they are learning and to work on projects together. Our goal is to help you create new and healthy ways of working. The way to do that is by doing! READ MORE . . .
|
 Planned Giving Workshop set for September 26 at St. Mary's, Dousman
The Diocese of Milwaukee and the Trustees of Funds and Endowments invite parish leaders to join them for a workshop on planned giving.
The two hour workshop will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon at St. Mary's Dousman, located at 36014 Sunset Drive (Hwy. 18 & 67), Dousman, WI 53118.
Both parishes with an existing Planned Giving ministry and/or an Endowment, as well as those without one, will benefit from this workshop. This workshop reviews best practices and empowers leadership to be able to take the best, next steps for their congregation!
To register for the September workshop, please contact Michael Hagon via e-mail at MHagonTFE@wi.rr.com, or phone at (414) 232-7358 by Monday, August 31, 2015. There is no charge for the workshop.
|
 SAVE THE DATE
October 10th - Inaugural Pikipiki Ride!
Saturday, October 10 (10am - 1pm)
All are welcome for a short, fun group bike-ride on the beautiful Oak Leaf Trail to Milwaukee's Lakefront. The ride seeks to raise money for a "pikipiki" (the Swahili word for motorcycle) for priests in the Diocese of Milwaukee's companion diocese of Newala. "Training-wheelers" and strollers will be able to participate in the LittlePiki Ride/Walk. Post-ride food and fellowship in Estabrook Park afterward. Watch for more details, and save the date. NOTE: Most residents of rural Tanzania live without access to motorized transportation of any kind. Pikipiki's are used by priests to tend to their congregations and the local community, both spiritually and physically. For more information, please contact Tim Kobussen of Christ Church, Whitefish Bay.
|
 Parishes - Apply for a Ministry Development Grant (Applications due October 15, 2015)
Mission and Development is interested in helping 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
For more information and for an application form to apply for a 2015 Fall Ministry Development Grant, click HERE.
Questions? Please contact Peggy Bean, Canon for Congregations, at bean@diomil.org or by calling (414) 272-3028 / ext. 158.
|
Safeguarding God's Children/Safeguarding 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 will be in the fall - See Fall dates for classes with a trainer below.
FALL CLASSES with Trainer:
Saturday, Sept 19th, 9am-Noon at 2 locations: St. Luke's, Madison and St. John the Divine, Burlington.
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.
|
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
|
|
