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. This edition of E-NEWS offers some initial Convention information and photos and links to more . . . additional Convention material and photos will appear in next week's E-NEWS.
Barbara Klauber, Editor
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A message for Advent from Bishop Miller
Therefore gird up your minds, be sober, set your hope fully upon the grace that is coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." I Peter 1:13-16
Dear Friends in Christ,
These words from the appointed lesson from the first Letter of Peter for Daily Morning Prayer this past Tuesday spoke to me in a powerful way. I hear in them an echo of the prayer with which we begin this Advent season, Give us grace to cast out the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" and the same urgency that I find in the collect. It is time to get ready. It is time to be faithful. It is time to be light to this dark world.
I trust that many of you, like me, have felt the darkness in a new and powerful way. Daily we hear of new strife on our streets and violence around the world. As we come to the darkest days of the year our world seems to be engulfed in darkness from violence, from lack of charity and understanding, from hardened hearts unwilling to welcome the stranger, from fear.
That is why it is so important that we not only hear but live the call of Advent. While the world around us continues its attempts to beat back the darkness with artificial light and tinsel, we are called to be light. Now as always we are asked to embrace our call to be people of light, living lives that are visibly Christian by living and serving, by being Christ to others, and preaching by word and action, "Be not afraid, I am here to walk with you."
As Eucharistic people our call is to be what we receive the body of Christ in the world until Christ comes again.
With every good wish for a blessed Advent, I am,
Yours in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Steven Andrew Miller
Bishop of Milwaukee
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United Thank Offering Board presents December challenge to benefit Episcopal Migration Ministries
Deemed Advent: Journey from Gratitude to Hope, the UTO board is challenging Episcopalians to support refugee welcome in the United States through its 2015 Ingathering Challenge.
"Jesus was part of a refugee family," commented Sandra Squires, President of the United Thank Offering board. "We should be able to relate to the upheaval of today's refugees through our love of him. For Advent and Christmas 2015, Episcopalians are asked to express gratitude with increased prayers of thanksgiving and daily giving to their Blue Boxes in remembrance of Jesus and today's refugees."
United Thank Offering will match the first $30,000 given by December 31, 2015 that is marked "EMM-UTO." The challenge, which kicks off immediately, will continue throughout December 2015.
TO DONATE
Checks or online donations should have UTO-EMM in the memo line/comments section. Mail to: United Thank Offering
DFMS - Protestant Episcopal Church US
P.O. Box 958983
St. Louis, MO 63195-8983
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Here & There . . .
Photos from around the Diocese of Milwaukee
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A couple weeks ago, The Rev. Bill McLemore, priest-in-charge at Holy Communion, Lake Geneva, sent E-NEWS this photo of the church building surrounded by beautiful Fall colors . . . that was before our first snow storm of the winter! (photo by W. McLemore)
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This thought-provoking (and very appropriate to the season) message can be found on the sign outside St. Mary's, Dousman. It is also visible to all who drive through the Highway 18 & 67 intersection in Dousman. (photo by S. Leannah)
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E-NEWS would love to receive photos showing what's happening in YOUR parish! Please send to info@diomil.org in JPEG format. Thank you!
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Catechism Challenge 2016 -- GET READY!
Catechism Challenge 2016 - Catechism Challenge 2016! Starts Jan 1, 2016! Join us on Diocesan Formation Facebook page  (https://www.facebook.com/DioMilFormation/?ref=bookmarks) - every day we will have opportunity to read and respond to a Quick Catechism Clip. The Rev. Bill McLemore, Priest at Holy Communion, Lake Geneva, wrote these reflections on our BCP Catechism. Together we can deepen our learning about our Episcopal faith during the early part of 2016!
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 CAMP WEBB 2016 - REGISTER NOW!
Camp Webb is filling up FAST for 20
16 -- almost half the slots are already filled.
Don't miss out . . . REGISTER NOW!
CAMP WEBB 2016 Registration runs fr
om October 17, 2015 - January 15, 2016Early registration is $375 beginning Oct 17th to January 15, 2016.
Regular registration fees are $400 (Jan 16-Mar 1).
Registration fills up fast. Register early and get the discount!
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Fr. John and Marilyn Allen with their beloved Irish Wolfhound
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St. James' - Milwaukee names The Rev. John Allen Priest-in-Charge
The Wardens and Vestry of St. James' Episcopal Church have announced announce that The Rev. Dr. John T. Allen became their Priest-in Charge on November 1, 2015, having served as their long-term supply priest since August, 2014.
Lucy Cooper, Sr. Warden, says, "Fr. John and his wife Marilyn bring energy and new ideas to our landmark church and an admirable sense of whimsy, a talent for artwork, and a very large and incredibly gentle Irish wolfhound."
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Leadership Days in 2016 for Clergy and Lay leaders
PLEASE SAVE THESE DATES!
Leadership Days in 2016 for Clergy and Parish lay leaders/Vestry members
Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Nashotah House Seminary
This leadership day will feature Dwight Zscheile speaking on the changing culture of the church.
Dwight Zscheile is an Episcopal priest and associate professor of congregational mission and leadership at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He also serves part-time as associate priest at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in St. Paul. He is author of The Agile Church: Spirit-Led Innovation in an Uncertain Age (Morehouse Publishing, 2014), People of the Way: Renewing Episcopal Identity (Morehouse Publishing, 2012) and The Missional Church in Perspective: Mapping Trends and Shaping the Conversation (with Craig Van Gelder, Baker Academic 2011) and editor of Cultivating Sent Communities: Missional Spiritual Formation (Eerdmans, 2012). A graduate of Stanford University (BA), Yale University (MDiv) and Luther Seminary (PhD, Congregational Mission and Leadership), he previously served congregations in Virginia and Connecticut. Dwight's experience growing up in a secular home in California has shaped his commitment to helping the church cultivate Christian community with new populations and generations in today's changing world.
Please let Peggy Bean, Canon for Congregations, know if you are interested in attending:
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 DOES YOUR PARISH NEED A JUMP-START?
Saturday, April 16, 2016 (9am-3pm) - Location TBA
LOCATION to be announced as it depends on how many plan to attend. It is hoped that all parishes will be represented by both clergy and Lay leaders/vestry members. Locations to accommodate these numbers are being investigated by those planning this session.
Please e-mail Peggy Bean, Canon for Congregations, if you plan to attend: bean@diomil.org .
Does this describe your church?
- Preserving the building has become your mission
- Finances are tight
- Too many empty seats on Sunday
- Tired and worried leadership
Hear examples of how other churches are solving their building dilemmas.
Discussions will be solution focused. Thinking will be outside the box.
$25 will buy you lunch and a lot of hope.
For more information on JUMP START!
contact: Peggy Bean, Canon for Congregations
bean@diomil.org 414-272-3028 / ext. 158
Please share this information and flyer with your parish. THANK YOU!
Click here for a FLYER with this information. ________________________________________________________
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AROUND THE DIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE
 Haitian Musician, Mona Augustin Performsat St. Andrew's, Madison on Dec. 5th at 3pm Mona Augustin will perform Haitian folk music with social justice themes at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Madison. Goodwill offerings at the door will raise money for his non-profit Mozayik which is in the process of relocating a village of people who lost their homes during the earthquake 5 years ago. A complementary dessert reception in the parish hall will follow, hosted by St. Andrew's and Grace Episcopal Church parishioners. The reception will provide opportunities to support the Haitian economy through the sale of Singing Rooster coffee and chocolate. Haitian Art sales benefit artists and St. Marc's School in Jeannette, Haiti.
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 Trinity, Mineral Point Holiday Gift Fair on Dec. 5th 9am - 3pm Trinity, Mineral Point is holding its 59th annual Holiday Gift Fair on Saturday, December 5th from 9am - 3pm. A ham sandwich or BBQ lunch with potato salad, coleslaw and homemade pie will be served from 10:30am - 2:30 pm. Pie and coffee served all day. The Holiday Gift Fair features gourmet baked goods, Christmas decorations and gifts, needlework and crafts, and homemade candy. ALL ARE WELCOME! Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 409 High Street, Mineral Point, WI 53565.
 St. Mark's, Beaver Dam Annual Cookie Walk on Dec. 12th - Doors Open at 8am This is a Cookie Walk! Cookies, cakes and much more -- mix and match for $8.00 per pound! Check it out . . . all are welcome! The parish is located at 700 Mill Street, Beaver Dam, WI 53916. _____________________________________
Lessons & Carols on Dec. 6th
at All Saints' Cathedral
All Saints' Cathedral invites all members of the diocese and wider community to attend an Advent Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 6th. Organ prelude begins at 3:30 pm; service begins at 4pm. A festive reception will follow the service. ALL ARE WELCOME! All Saints' Cathedral is located at 818 East Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202. __________________________________________________
 Christmas Bazaar and Brat Fry at
St. Aidan's, Hartford on Dec. 5th
St. Aidan's Episcopal Church at 670 East Monroe Street in Hartford, Wisconsin invites you to their Christmas Bazaar and Brat Fry on December 5th from 9am - 2pm. Bake Sale features wonderful homemade Christmas cookies. Crafts -- handmade items by parishioners including knit items, wooden crafts, ornaments and children's gifts. Lunch is served from 10am - 1pm and offers brats, homemade soups and breads plus dessert. Visits with Santa are offered from 11am - 1pm. See FLYER for more information!
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 Advent Retreat at DeKoven Center WAIT: An Advent Reflective Retreat at The DeKoven Center, Racine, WI Date: December 2-4, 2015
Conductor: The Rev. Sam Portaro
Cost: $200
Wait, the four-letter curse of our time, is nonetheless at the thematic heart of Advent. In a series of meditations punctuated by worship and ample time for reflection, this retreat invites one to enter the annual preparation and anticipation of The Nativity with a renewed sense of the role and importance of waiting, and The Wait. The Retreat begins with a Gathering Reception Wednesday evening at 5:00 and closes on Friday morning. The hours follow the familiar monastic pattern of Prayer, Eucharist, Meditation, and Silence. To register or for more information, contact
Sarah Bussell, Assistant, Retreat & Conference Center Manager
Ph. 262-633-6401 Ext. 105 sbussell@dekovencenter.org ____________________________________________________
 Cookie and Craft Sale at Holy Communion, Lake Geneva on Dec. 5th
SATURDAY - DECEMBER 5TH
from 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
We will be selling crafts, cocoa, Christmas candy, and of course COOKIES, by the pound.
The Church of the Holy Communion is located at 320 Broad Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147.
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Holiday Concert on December 13, 2015 - 1:30PM
St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in River Hills
Holiday Concert
December 13, 2015-1:30PM
St. Christopher's Episcopal Church
7845 N. River Road
River Hills, WI 53217
St. Christopher's is once again delighted to host a benefit concert for Casa Maria featuring the Collegium Ladyes singing a cappella seasonal music. All are welcome to come and hear music that is well suited to our church season, sung by outstanding choral singers. A reception will follow the hour-long concert.
A free will donation will be received to benefit Casa Maria.
Casa Maria is a home on N. 21st street which offers shelter to homeless women and children. Families stay at the shelter for approximately one month while efforts are made to find them an apartment and perhaps employment. This facility is always filled to capacity.
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About the Collegium Ladyes: The Collegium Ladyes was founded in2010 as a part of UWM's Collegium Musicum, an early music performance program. Many of the Ladyes are professional soloists, music teachers, or choral musicians; all are experienced choral singers who share a love of a cappella vocal music and will present music from a medieval, Renaissance and modern repertoire.
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Advent Lessons & Carols at Nashotah House Seminary
The Choral Scholars of Nashotah House offer A Service of Advent Lessons & Carols on Thursday, December 10 at 5PM in Adams Hall, featuring the St. Francis Adams Hall Organ, installed in Summer 2015.
The Service of Advent Lessons and Carols is a unique part of the English Choral Tradition, begun in the 1800s in schools and colleges where Christmas falls outside of term-time, yet the students and faculty want to share in the expectant festivities of the Advent season. Nashotah House keeps this tradition alive for the 24th consecutive year, singing a wide range of choral music amid favorite congregational hymns and Old Testament lessons foretelling the birth of Jesus Christ. This year's service will include three pieces from the Russian Orthodox tradition (sung in English) together with a brand new arrangement of Vaughan Williams' "This is the Truth Sent from Above" and the traditional English carol, "See Amid the Winter's Snow".
All are welcome. A free-will offering will be collected, and seasonal cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate will be served. Nashotah House is located at 7777 Mission Road, Nashotah, WI 53058. Directions - map
For more information contact
Fr. Alexander Pryor, Teaching Fellow in Church Music
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Madison Area Julian Gathering - December 9, 2015
Madison-Area Julian Gathering
Wednesday, December 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, ObJN at slfiore@mac.com or (608) 845-2413.
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Diocese of Milwaukee Haiti Project invites you to sponsor a schoolchild in Jeannette, Haiti
In the next few weeks current sponsors of schoolchildren at St. Marc's School in Jeannette, Haiti will receive a renewal letter from the Haiti Project asking them to prayerfully consider renewing their commitment to primary and secondary education in the rural, mountain village of Jeannette. The faithfulness of sponsors to the 30 year partnership with Jeannette is making a significant difference in the lives of many young people; indeed, Jeannette is now seeing young adult leaders returning from their professional studies to serve their community.
Not a sponsor? If you would like to sponsor a child, there are 46 first graders in need of sponsors. The Haiti Project would love to find a sponsor for each one of them by Christmas. You can give the gift of sponsorship! Email info@haitiproject.org to arrange for a special Christmas sponsorship for a loved one or go to the https://haitiproject.org/donate/sponsor-a-child-for-school/ website to sponsor today!
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 An Advent Challenge to Parishes from the Diocesan Multicultural Team A special request/challenge from our Diocesan Multicultural Team: As reported at convention this team has been meeting for over a year to discuss ways to encourage our Diocese to build and strengthen relationships with All People. As the Body of Christ we together come to know and serve Jesus yet what we have found is we often don't know too many others who don't look like us or think like us. We live in a changing world and each church says they want to invite others and to be open to all so how do we do this? Over the next few seasons we as a team will be inviting you to have conversations together in your church community. The first conversation is perfect for the Holidays. This advent as you gather together for events or conversations steer the discussions to ethnic and family customs. What have we brought into your family celebrations from your ancestors? What foods, traditions, and stories? Share these stories together - what are the same, similar or really different? We know stories are a wonderful way to build and strengthen community so we hope this Advent Season you all get to know each other better and perhaps this can be a way for you to include new people in a fun and inviting way to get to know your church community. Questions? Contact Peggy Bean, Canon for Parishes at bean@diomil.org . She will be happy to help and / or refer you to a member of the committee. |
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A thank you from the Diocese of Milwaukee Haiti Project
Thank you to the many donors who made the reintroduction of the double bucket purification system at St. Marc's School and in the Jeannette community possible.
Dynamically delivered, age appropriate sanitation and water education was offered in all the classrooms from 1-13th grade. Hands on activities around water were introduced in the middle and high school classes. Thank you for your generous response to the Campaign for Clean Water and Electricity.
Heidi Ropa, Coordinator, Diocese of Milwaukee Haiti Project)
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 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).
Spring CLASSES with Trainer dates are being set now. If your parish wants to host a spring training contact Deacon Terry Garner soon at dcnterry.g@gmail.com .
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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.
November 29, 2015 - Prayer for the Diocese of Milwaukee
O God, by your grace you have called us in this Diocese to a godly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishop Steven Miller, our clergy, and our people. Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the power of your Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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. _________________________________________________________
CYCLE OF PRAYER for NOV 2015 - NOV 2016
The new cycle of prayer for the Diocese of Milwaukee, prepared by the Commission on Mission and Development (for the period November 29, 2015 - November 20, 2016) is available HERE.
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Suggested Reading . . .
Yankee Bishops: New book by one of our own, The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Henery
The office of bishop in the Episcopal Church in the United States has long begged attention from historians.Yankee Bishops: Apostles in the New Republic, 1783 to 1873 is the first collective examination of the American episcopate and offers critical insight into the theory and practice of episcopal ministry in these formative years. In this period, one hundred men were elected and consecrated to the episcopal order and exercised oversight. These bishops firmly believed their office to mirror the primitive pattern of apostolic ministry. How this primitive ideal of episcopacy was understood and lived out in the new republic is the main focus of this study. Yankee Bishops is also the first book to scrutinize and analyze as a body the sermons preached at episcopal consecrations. Yankee Bishops will be a primary source in Anglican and ecumenical studies and of general interest to the reader of American religious and social history.
Charles R. Henery, sometime Professor of Church History and Homiletics and Sub-Dean at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Nashotah, WI presently serves as a supply priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee and has recently returned to St. John's Northwestern Military Academy to serve as the interim priest.
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 Designated Tithing article features
St. Aidan's, Hartford members
Check out this article, "Designated Tithing" in the current issue The Living Church magazine! It includes information garnered from members of one of the Diocese of Milwaukee's parishes: St. Aidan's, Hartford.
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WI Faith Community Nurse Educational Offering
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Faith Community Nursing - Wisconsin Nurses Association
Educational Offering: Chronic Disease Update for the Faith Community
Friday, December 11, 2015
Aurora Medical Center in Summit, WI
36500 Aurora Drive, Summit, WI 53066 ALL ARE WELCOME! The purpose of this conference is to enable Faith Community Nurses to positively affect their ministry in terms of healthcare and spirituality for themselves and their clients in today's changing environment. Whether you are an experienced FCN or are just starting out, please join us to share in learning and grow our professional community! Scholarships are available ($30) for anyone who is an Episcopalian or serves an Episcopal congregation. Non nurses are welcomed. For Episcopal scholarships contact Maryfran Crist at mjcrist@CRTelco.com MORE INFORMATION |
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Trustees of Funds & Endowments Announce 4.32% Combined Fund Distribution Payout Rate for 2016
 At its quarterly board meeting on October 22, 2015 the Trustees of Funds and Endowments established an annual Distribution Payout Rate for calendar year 2016 of 4.32% of the Fair Market Value of The Combined Fund as of December 31, 2015. This compares to a Payout Rate of 3.94% in 2015.
The Payout Rate is calculated on 4.5% of the average fair market value of The Combined Fund for the trailing twenty calendar quarters. The 4.5% calculation rate is based on the distribution policy of the Board and is intended to provide a fair income distribution to investors, protect the principal value of the Fund and to provide for growth in the Fund above the rate of inflation.
Parish Treasurers may use the 4.32% payout rate for budget purposes. If you have any questions regarding the Distribution Payout Rate, please contact Michael Hagon at MHagonTFE@wi.rr.com or 414-232-7358. |
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Cultural Exchange Opportunities at SJNMA
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SJNMA cadets include international students
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At this year's diocesan convention, hosted by St. John's Northwestern Military Academy, in Delafield, deputies learned that the academy has a number of international students who are unable to return home for school breaks and holidays. SJNMA would love to hear from members of the diocese who may be interested in cultural exchange/hosting an international student. More information HERE. |
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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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 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!
OPENINGS IN EfM CLASS
The EfM class sponsored by St. Mark's-Milwaukee at St. John's on the Lake still has openings in all four years. The group meets on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 3:00 PM in the 3rd Floor Library at St. John's. Tuition is $350 for the year and includes all texts, study materials, and Continuing Education Units.
NEW EfM Group to being in Madison - starting in January 2016! (Time/day still to be determined) Trial Session scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 6:30PM at St. Luke's, Madison (4011 Major Ave, Madison), mentored by Gloria Alt of St. Dunstan's altmode2@gmail.com or 608-235-3817).
For more information, contact William Stotts, EfM coordinator for the Diocese of Milwaukee, at wmnmex@aol.com or on Facebook at the EfM page, or at 414-456-0847. |
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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