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
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Overcoming Racism & Inequality Speaker Series at Grace Church, Madison oannounced
Grace Church, Madison (116 W. Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703) will host a speaker series on Overcoming Racism & Inequity on October 14, 28, November 3. All sessions begin at 7pm and are open and free to the public. See FLYER for more info or contact the parish at 608-255-5147 or togracechurchrector@gmail.com . The first speaker will be The Rev. David Couper, priest-in-charge at St. Peter's, North Lake and city of Madison chief of police 1972-1993. |
REGISTER NOW!
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St. John's Northwestern Military Academy is the site of the 2015 diocesan convention
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Diocesan Convention 2015 invites you to be part of the convention community
The 168th annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee will take place on Saturday, October 17 at St. John's Northwestern Military Academy (SJNMA) in Delafield.
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 are now available on the diocesan website - click HERE. Please see the preceding article for information on Pre-Convention Convocation Meetings. |
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Pre-Convention Meetings set in Convocations
The seven convocations of the Diocese of Milwaukee have scheduled their Pre-Convention meetings, where convocation deans will review convention plans and materials with clergy and lay deputies. These materials are all available on the diocesan website - click HERE. The Convocation Pre-Convention Meeting schedule is as follows:
- Metro Convocation 9/22 @ 5pm at St. Paul's, Milwaukee
- Waukesha Convocation 9/23 @ 6:30pm at St. Bartholomew's, Pewaukee
- Central Convocation 9/26 @ 9:00am at St. Peter's, Fort Atkinson
- River Convocation 9/27@ 4 pm at Trinity, Baraboo
- North Convocation 9/30 @ 5pm at St. Aidan's, Hartford
- South Convocation 10/3 @ Noon at St. Matthew's, Kenosha
- West Convocation 10/6 @ 7pm at St. Luke's, Madison
Please see the following article for more information on the October 17th Diocesan Convention.
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Parishioner Jim Stringfellow prepares zucchini from the parish's garden for an SOS meal.
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St. Luke's, Bayview uses Giving Garden produce to prepare healthy meals for community's homeless
St. Luke's Bay View hosted the SOS (Share our Suppers) meals every Friday during the month of August. When the opportunity came to serve the homeless of our area, we offered the use of our hall as a hosting church. When one of the Fridays was open to prepare and serve a meal, we both hosted and served, making a "Thanksgiving Dinner", complete with Turkey, stuffing, all the sides and even fresh produce and herbs from our Giving Garden. Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church has an ongoing ecumenical outreach program for the less fortunate in our area; one arm of this much needed mission is the SOS meals. The program is a moveable feast during summer, moving monthly from church to church. The host church provides the hall, tableware, beverages, and desserts, while the serving church comes with the food and volunteers to serve the meal. It was a rewarding opportunity, one that allowed us to meet new people, both the visitors and the other local church volunteers. The entire parish pitched in: from baking, cooking, serving, cleaning, donations and most importantly, with prayers for a successful outreach endeavor. |
 The Pikipiki Ride to support Diocese of Newala takes place October 10th
Christ Church, Whitefish Bay is hosting a "Pikipiki Ride" on October 10, 2015 at 10am at Estabrook Park to support the Diocese of Newala, the Diocese of Milwaukee's companion diocese in Tanzania. There will be a 10 mile bike ride for adults and a 3-mile Little-Pikipiki for children.
See FLYER for more information.
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For those wondering about Ordination . . .
Wondering about ordination?
Commission on Ministry Informational Meeting
Saturday, January 9, 2016, 10 a.m. - 12 noon at St. Mary 's, Dousman
For those discerning a call to
- the diaconate
- the priesthood
- professional chaplaincy
along with their sponsoring rector.
Those wishing to attend need to register with the President of the Commission on Ministry, The Rev. Martha Berger, at martha.branson.berger@gmail.com (deadline Dec. 31).
The New COM Manual, with the discernment timeline and responsibilities, can be found on the diocesan website's COM page under the Strengthening Congregations tab at www.diomil.org
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 Creation of Diocesan Youth Council
Calling high school youth! Looking for another way to get involved with your church and diocese?
How about an additional service qualifier for that resume or those college applications?
Interested in leadership and developing these skills?
The Diocese of Milwaukee is looking for qualified youth to participate on a Diocesan Youth Council. What does this council do you ask?
It plans events for the youth of the diocese of course! At this time we want to plan a few major events a year, specifically for spring and fall 2016.
But these will require at least two previous planning sessions. Please keep in mind that this will require some travel and time commitment.
Our first Planning Meeting will be Saturday, November 14, 2015 9am-3pm at St. Paul's, Watertown.
If you are interested in participating please contact Rev. Carla McCook to confirm (mccook@diomil.org). Looking forward to seeing you this fall!
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 Education for Ministry (EfM)
EfM is a distance-learning program for adult Christian formation through theological education and reflection offered by the Beecken Center of the School of Theology at the University of the South, in Sewanee, Tennessee ( http://efm.sewanee.edu/ ). Through study, prayer, and reflection, EfM helps participants move toward a new understanding of the fullness of God's kingdom as they better apprehend the connections between their faith and their lives.
Most of our EfM groups meet weekly (Sept-June) in various churches around our diocese. There is also an EfM Online program you can join if you have time constraints. Our Diocesan EfM coordinator is Mr. Bill Stotts, wmnmex@aol.com . You may email him with updates about your EfM group and facilitator contact, to find a group meeting in your area, or for more information. This intense opportunity for study can be life changing and transformational!
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AROUND THE DIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE
 Celebrate with St. Francis,
Menomonee Falls on Oct. 4th
Come! Celebrate!
The Feast of St. Francis with
St. Francis, Menomonee Falls
October 4 at 9:30 am
Bishop's Visitation and Dedication of a new Narthex and Montenegro Stained Glass Window,
Floor to Rooftop, a celebration of St. Francis and the glory of God's creation.
The dedication will take place in the context of the service of Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist.
We welcome all - friends, neighbors, brothers and sisters in Christ! A celebratory reception will follow.
 St. Andrew's, Monroe hosts Rummage Sale for Outreach Friday-Saturday, October 2-3 from 9am-4pm
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2810 Sixth Street, Monroe Phone: 608-325-8265
Singing Rooster coffee will be on sale with FREE samples on both days! Remember that 66% of the cost of the coffee goes directly to the farmers in Haiti! Join us for great deals, from fur coats to books to furniture to clothing and homemade PICKLES!
Tell your friends about our sale....!
 Fall Festival at St. Mary's, Dousman - October 4th
St. Mary's Fall Festival takes place October 4, 2015 from 11am - 3pm. The event is held in conjunction with the Dousman Fire Department. St. Mary's is located at the Corner of Hwy 18 & Hwy 67 - Dousman, WI
Come and experience a day of family fun! For more information, please call the parish office at (262) 965-3924 or download FLYER. Events include:
- Music
- Farmer's Market / Delicious Food and Bake Sale
- Pottery
- Fun Activities for Children
- Hay Rides
- Pumpkin Painting / Face Painting
- Your Picture Taken With A Fireman
- Fire Trucks / Dress up in Fireman's Clothes
- Much More!
 Bizarre Ladies of St. Dymphna's & The Live Nativity performance Oct. 25
The parish of St. Paul's, Watertown (South Second Street & Spring Street, Watertown, WI) will put on this lively performance on October 25th at 2pm at the church.
For tickets ($10/each) please call the parish office at 920-261-9742).
Click HERE for more information on special events page of the parish's website.
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Madison Area Julian Gathering - October 14th
Madison-Area Julian Gathering Wednesday, October 14, 7:15 - 9:00 PM St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church 6205 University Avenue Madison, WI 53705 What is a Julian Gathering? A Julian Gathering is open to everyone and you are welcome at all times. 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) and have the quintessentially Anglican writings of Bl. Mother Julian of Norwich at their core. They are for 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 and reading/discussion of Bl. Julian's revelations. Don't worry if you've never practiced silent prayer before, we can set your mind at ease. We meet the second Wednesday of each month from 7:15 to 9 PM. For additional information, contact Susan Fiore, ObJN: (608) 845-2413 or slfiore@mac.com. |
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New Book in Resource Center at Nicholson House
"Choosing Change: How To Motivate Churches To Face The Future" by Peter Coutts, Alban.org.
"Knowing about motivation, resistance, and human behavior can make the difference between squandering and embracing a future requiring change.
Peter Coutts has provided a text rich in ideas, practices, and strategies that can open a fruitful future."
For more information on the Resource Center click here or contact The Rev. Carla McCook at mccook@diomil.org.
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 Safeguarding God's Children/Safeguarding God's People
NEW trainings are coming to Safeguarding God's Children and People! Roll-out begins January 1, 2016!
Clergy - you will have an introduction to the new materials at the Nov. 12th Clergy Day.
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 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 27, 2015 - St. Michael's, Racine
Loving Father, we thank you for the people of St. Michael's and their membership in the Body of Christ and our diocese. We ask for your blessing and guidance upon them in this new season of their life. Anoint them in the power of your Spirit for their common mission together. May they be steadfast in their calling to open the door to faith for those who don't yet know you. May they serve you in unity, constancy and peace to the glory of your name. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of 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.
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 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!
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 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
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 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 |
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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. |
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 . . .
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 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.
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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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